Over three decades since kick-starting his journey at Houston’s High School for the Performing & Visual Arts, pianist Jason Moran is now undeniably jazz royalty. Through dozens of albums, the Bayou City native has long proven his case as bandleader, composer, interpreter, and hired gun, also earning his stripes as an educator and curator along the way. Having left his 14-year post as artistic director of jazz at the Kennedy Center (for obvious reasons), Moran hits Austin in celebration of the 125th birthday of Duke Ellington, backed by the UT Jazz Orchestra. A better fit of composer and performer won’t be found. – Michael Toland
