10 out of 10 review from 50artists50states.com
I’m a Smooth Jazz piano player and producer from Detroit but I currently reside in the Chicago area. Instrumental jazz music is what I create which can cross over into other genres.
Motown Moe is a smooth Jazz producer, arranger and Pianist from Detroit area who has been an avid Smooth jazz fan since he heard Tom Scott and the LA Express on Detroit’s legendary WJZZ station. Often asked how the name “Motown Moe” was created, it’s a reference to his hometown nicknamed Motown after the most famous Record label in history and “Moe” was adapted from his middle name Maurice. Detroit is a city often degraded with negativity by national media but growing up in Detroit was a place filled with hard work, fun, hopes, dreams, and promise as well as a place filled with very much music talent. As a youngster Moe would spend endless hours listening to jazz music ranging from Ronnie Laws to MFSB. The instrumental music of the 70’s really consumed him, especially the sounds coming out of Philadelphia’s Sigma Sound studio. Moe had interest in learning the sax, guitar, and piano at an early age, but he did not have the discipline or dedication to stay focused on mastering these instruments. He became interested in sports football, boxing, and track. After high school Moe entered the Air Force serving for 21 years which gave him a chance to live and visit numerous parts of the globe. Whilst in the Military Moe bought a small Casio keyboard and began to gain interest again in playing music. Moe after being discharged from the Air Force worked in a New Jersey Steel Pipe Mill for a few years before returning to Detroit to work on an auto assembly line. Moe was once a member of both United Steel Workers and United Auto Workers Unions. His love of music led him to not only listen, but to also create music. Moe readily admits to his prior lack of knowledge regarding the technical side of mixing and mastering music. But Moe over the years has vastly improved his music recording skills through intense study and research into effective use of EQ, Compression, and Reverb tools involved in the recording process. Motown Moe met Producer/Pianist Nate Harasim who was helpful in showing him the importance of learning the technical side of music production. Nate has produced several of Moe’s tracks. Moe has been fortunate to record with musicians such as Nate Harasim producer and piano player, Guitarist Blake Aaron, Bassist Darryl Williams, Percussionist Curtis McCain, James Davis Guitarist, Daniel Domenge Guitarist, DF Michael Bassist, Randy Sherwood Sax, Tony Craddock Jr Sax, Ryan Svendsen trumpet player, Nils Guitarist, Paul Pesco Guitarist, Trumpet Player Tony Guerro, amongst many. Moe received smooth jazz top 40 chart status with several singles and albums along with song plays on several radio stations, and tv including the Weather Channel . Motown Moe has recently begun work on a new project “ Reaching New Heights” coming in June 2025. Motown Moe currently maintains a studio located outside of Chicago. He is currently looking for artists old and new for projects to produce, mix, and master.
