Dexter Moses Presents: New Perspective 2024

On May 6th, 2023, I graduated from North Carolina Central University with a Master’s in Jazz Composition and Arranging for saxophone. It was a monumental, yet bittersweet, moment. The person who had the greatest impact on my writing since my final year of undergrad in 2020 was the late Dr. Brian Horton. It is safe to say that my creative mind would not be where it is today if it was not for his guidance, wisdom, and inspiration. Though I may not have completely understood him at times, his work-ethic and musical creativity told me everything that I needed to know. Every arranging class assignment, I would write in hopes that he would hear his influence. Purposefully putting soulful “Horton-isms” in my pieces or utilizing his first instrument (soprano saxophone) as the lead voice.

During my second semester of grad school, Dr. Horton was supposed to teach the composition class. At the time, I thought “This is my chance to really show him ME.” As far as I knew, he had never heard any of my original compositions before. (I have written 30+ melodies since high school). Sadly, he only got to hear one song. A blues. He passed away a couple weeks later. It hurt to not see him at my recital. I wanted him to see and hear that his work in jazz education was not in vain.

Post-graduation, amid reflection and grief, I found myself thinking of what Dr. Horton would say. He survived the pandemic when many musicians did not, literally, and creatively. Instead of sitting back and shaking his fists at the world, he found another way. Now, as a young emerging artist coming out of school when the music industry is seemingly falling apart and gig-workers are becoming even less appreciated and underpaid post-pandemic, I cannot help but hear his voice: “You chose to do this right? Trust the music and make it work.” Dr. Horton made his own way and he, along with many others, gifted me the tools to make mine.

New Perspective is my debut album dedicated to Dr. Brian Horton, the fallen eagles who supported and inspired me within the music program (Arnold George, Theresa Renee, & Samuel King), and the countless mentors/colleagues who supported me throughout my career so far.

Your contribution will go towards recording fees as well as marketing and distribution (jazz radio stations, album reviews, etc.)

This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and Durham Arts Council, local grants administrator.

Cover photo provided by Mike McClellan Photography