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Mo Pleasure, renowned multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, began playing acoustic
piano at the age of four and by his early teens already mastered several instruments including bass,
trumpet, guitar, drums and violin. Currently seen in theaters everywhere in the Michael Jackson concert documentary, This Is It, Morris is a musician of rare versatility and acumen, known for his
amazing ability to bring feeling to a song without sacrificing technical prowess.
Upon receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from University of Connecticut, Mo began his professional music career playing bass with Ray Charles. He then began working as a session
musician, backing some of the most accomplished talents in Jazz and R&B including George Duke,
Natalie Cole, Dianne Reeves, Jonathan Butler, Rachelle Ferrell, Michael McDonald, Oleta Adams,
Roberta Flack, Marcus Miller and Frankie Beverly and Maze, to name a few.
From 1989 through 1992, Mo was both keyboardist and musical director with saxophonist Najee,
pianist Alex Bugnon, and vocalists Philip Bailey, Patti Austin and Jon Lucien. In 1993, he became a
member of the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire, and ascended to become the band’s musical
director in 1994. Mo was featured playing keyboards, trumpet and guitar with Janet Jackson’s 2001
All For You tour and played keyboards and trumpet with Boney James’ 2004 Pure tour. As a principal
member of the group Devoted Spirits, Mo was featured playing keyboards for Jimi Hendrix’s 60th
Birthday Celebration and the 2004 Power of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix tour. Mo most recently
toured with Roberta Flack and Rachelle Ferrell. Mo also lended his keyboard playing talents to
neo-soul star Maxwell’s Fall 2008 comeback tour. He is sought as a session player as well.
Recent session credits include Brian Culbertson’s hit CD, Bringing Back The Funk.
In addition to performing at worldwide jazz festivals including Montreux, North Sea, St. Lucia, Cancun,
and Montreal, Mo has been a featured concert pianist, performing Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”
with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra and for the Boston Ballet.
There are many Television and Video performances to Mo’s credit, including Ray Charles BBC Special, Lopez Tonight, Mad TV, BET on Jazz, VH1, The Tonight Show, Earth, Wind & Fire documentary Shining
Stars and HBO Special – Janet Jackson in Hawaii. His movie soundtrack credits include “Talkin’”
featured in the Disney movie “Three Men and a Little Lady” and the EWF single “Cruisin,” featured
in Spike Lee’s “Get On The Bus.”
Two of Mo’s CDs were released independently in Spring 2005. Devoted Spirits’ Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire and Audio Caviar’s Transoceanic. Audio Caviar is a collaboration featuring Mo on piano, bass, trumpet and flugelhorn; Ralph Johnson on drums and Denmark guitarist Steen Kyed.
Most recently, Mo was a keyboardist in Michael Jackson’s final touring band that was scheduled to
perform in the late superstar’s historic comeback residency at London’s O2 Arena this fall. Turning heartbreak into artistic catharsis, Mo and the rest of Michael’s band performed at the soul-stirring
memorial service for Michael Jackson on July 7, 2009 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Now,
in the wake of Jackson’s untimely passing, Mo’s musicianship has earned him a place in history
as a cast member of the highest grossing concert documentary film of all time.
Mo’s first offering as a solo artist, Elements of Pleasure, was released in 2006. The release earned him
a devoted worldwide following and established him as a producer and multi-instrumentalist with singular talent. Scheduled for release in 2010, Mo’s second solo effort, Mo’Elements of Pleasure, expands upon
his first project. The lyrical movement of the piano, the soulful sounds of the trumpet and flugelhorn and
the funky rhythm of the bass are the elements that touch the heart, mind and soul. The music is
a
combined collaboration of instrumental funk and soulful vocals,
reminiscent of his many musical influences.
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| www.myspace.com/morrispleasure |
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