Bassist Bill Moring- 1.13.21

“Ride the storm, baby…”                                                                                   As soon as I decided to do this project and begin by featuring bassists, I knew I’d want to reune with Bill Moring, who I was super-fortunate to have in my former band, the East Down Septet. As we caught up, it was striking (and humbling) to hear how he started his career playing with the best of the big band drummers, from Indianapolis legend John Von Ohlen, to Mel Lewis, to Dennis Mackrel (during Bill’s stint with the Count Basie Orchestra). It was during those formative years that Bill discusses how he acquired his warm, fat sound that has made him busy ever since, in all circles of jazz. After we listen to and discuss the incredible duets (which Bill turning into funny, poignant mini-compositions), we turn to his role as a teacher, his take on the next generation, and his super-positive outlook. Medicine for the soul.