Music, School of
Date of this Version
Spring 4-2016
Citation
Fuson II, Bobby. "LeRoi Moore: a Biography" DMA diss., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2016.
Abstract
Few artists thrive at the crossroads of musicality, originality, and popularity. Musicians and critics often laud the first two and neglect the latter. Any imbalance in ratios between them that tips toward popularity is balanced by diminishing the creative elements.
Saxophonist LeRoi Moore (1961-2008) of the Dave Matthews Band was one artist who balanced all three. While his musical output was prodigious very little is known about him. He was a reclusive figure onstage and in public, shunning interviews and at times literally the spotlight, despite being a founding member of one of the most commercially successful bands of the last two decades.
Musically Moore was firmly planted in the jazz tradition for which his instrument has become known. A gifted improviser and arranger, the quality of his musical contributions was consistently high and pure. Moore’s music was creative, original, and popular in equal measure. A biography of his life and analysis of his works are essential to recognizing his place in the history of American music.
Advisor: Paul Haar
Comments
A DOCTORAL DOCUMENT Presented to the Faculty of The Graduate College at the University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements For the Degree of Doctor of Musical Arts, Major: Music, Under the Supervision of Professor Paul Haar. Lincoln, Nebraska: May, 2016
Copyright © 2016 Bobby Daryl Fuson II