Eddie Moore has acted as a change agent since his arrival in Kansas City several years ago. His willingness to go on the record about perceived disparities on the jazz scene and his eager embrace of popular music make Moore a civic and artistic leader.
Misunderstood, the new album by Moore’s group We The People, puts Kansas City’s jazz community on notice. Along with bassist Jason Emmond, drummer Zach Morrow and turntablist Keith Rodgers, the keyboardist created a blend of jazz fusion, soul-jazz and the synthesis of improvised music and hip-hop associated with California based musicians like Flying Lotus.
We The People’s disruptive intent is made explicit by spoken word samples and rapping. On “KFC”- it’s clearly not a song about fried chicken- We The People decry Kansas City’s fixation on jazz heritage and lament “you gotta f##king grow.” The ferocious outburst “50th Law” features unhinged musical aggression and a grungy sound field.
Not all 28 minutes of Misunderstood are dyspeptic. “Enough” is a gospel-infused self-empowerment anthem featuring rapturous vocals by Angel Gibson. “The Truth” is undulating neo-soul while the contemplative “Round Up” recalls the prettiest tracks on Moore’s solo albums.
We The People throw down the gauntlet with Misunderstood. History suggests the majority of Kansas City’s jazz community will respond with unknowing indifference. Yet whether the recording is embraced or ignored, Misunderstood will stand as an essential document of this tumultuous time.