Biography
The Nick Moran Trio is led by guitarist Nick Moran, a New York City native who began his musical journey on the trumpet at age ten before switching to guitar at thirteen. Moran pursued formal studies in jazz, earning a BFA in Jazz Performance from the City College of New York, where he was a protégé of legendary bassist Ron Carter. His early musical influences included jazz greats such as Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, and Lee Ritenour, shaping his articulate and imaginative playing style.[1][3][8]
Moran's career has been marked by a deep commitment to jazz both as a performer and educator. He fronts his own organ trio, the Nick Moran Trio, which has released acclaimed albums such as 'No Time Like Now' (2012), noted for its melodic inventiveness and rhythmic drive.[6][8] Moran is recognized for his transparent articulation and logical improvisation, and he regularly conducts master classes in rhythm studies and improvisation. Beyond jazz, Moran is a multi-instrumentalist, exploring folk, blues, and Irish music on instruments like mandolin, ukulele, fiddle, and Irish bouzouki.[1]
The Nick Moran Trio’s music is rooted in classic jazz traditions but is distinguished by its groove-oriented approach and modern sensibility. Moran’s compositions and performances reflect a blend of influences, from hard bop to soul jazz, and his work has contributed to the ongoing vitality of the jazz organ trio format. His legacy includes both his recorded output and his impact as a teacher and mentor to younger musicians.[1][6][8]
Fun Facts
- Nick Moran is a multi-instrumentalist who plays not only guitar but also mandolin, ukulele, fiddle, and Irish bouzouki.[1]
- He has conducted master classes in rhythm studies and improvisation, sharing his expertise with the next generation of jazz musicians.[1]
- Moran's playing style has been described as 'transparent in its articulation, logical, devoid of trite cliches.'[1]
- He has explored a wide range of genres beyond jazz, including folk, blues, and Irish music.[1]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Ron Carter - Jazz bass legend and Moran's mentor during his studies at City College of New York (Mentorship during BFA studies) [1990s]
- Grant Green - Stylistic influence; Moran studied Green's guitar work extensively (Influence on guitar style and trio repertoire) [Career-long influence]
- Wes Montgomery - Stylistic influence; Moran cites Montgomery as a major inspiration (Influence on improvisational approach) [Career-long influence]
- Lee Ritenour - Stylistic influence; Moran studied Ritenour's playing (Influence on melodic and harmonic approach) [Career-long influence]
Key Collaborators
- Nick Morrison - Organist in the Nick Moran Trio; frequent collaborator on trio albums and performances (No Time Like Now (2012), live performances) [2010s-present]
- Chris Benham - Drummer in the Nick Moran Trio; core member on recordings and live shows (No Time Like Now (2012), live performances) [2010s-present]
Source: Wikipedia
Connection Network
Discography
Top Tracks
- 'Round Midnight ('Round Midnight)
- Baubles, Bangles & Beads (Baubles, Bangles & Beads)
- I Saw The Sun (I Saw The Sun)
- Rio (Rio)
- Where Are You? (Where Are You?)
- Polka Dots And Moonbeams (Polka Dots And Moonbeams)
- Holiday Fun (Holiday Fun)
- Out of This World (Out of This World)
- First Trip (Rio)
- When Lights Are Low (When Lights Are Low)
External Links
Tags: #ambient, #jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
Nick Osman Trio has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 22, 2025 | 01:13 | Strange Brewfrom No Time Like Now | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis |