Michael Moore

by Joslyn Layne
Multi-reedist Michael Moore is a main figure in the Dutch creative jazz scene, although he is originally from the U.S. Before moving overseas, Moore studied with pianist and composer Jaki Byard at the New England Conservatory of Music. After his studies, Moore lived briefly in N.Y.C., then went on to Amsterdam where he has remained. Since then, Moore has collaborated extensively with major Dutch improvisers including drummer Han Bennink and pianist/composer Misha Mengelberg, as well as American jazz musicians such as Fred Hersch and Gerry Hemingway. In 1986, Moore became the second non-Dutchman to receive Holland's top jazz award, the Boy Edgar Prijs. He has led a group called Available Jelly and played in a trio with Bennink and cellist Ernst Reijseger for ten years, founding and dissolving the Clusone Trio with live performances at Italy's Clusone Festival. Moore and his bandmates are also members of Mengelberg's ICP (Instant Composers Pool) Orchestra. By 2000, Moore had performed on over 50 recordings for creative music labels Hat, ICP, BvHaast, and Moore's own Ramboy.