A veteran of the New York City jazz scene for almost 20 years, bassist Bill Moring has established a reputation as one of the city's most in demand players.The versatile musician has proven himself equally adept at anchoring the big bands of legends Count Basie and Woody Herman, jammin' jazz/funk and beyond with the Dave Stryker/Steve Slagle quartet or stretching harmonic and rhythmic boundaries with John Hart and Chris Potter.

Bill was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. He attended Indiana State University and began gigging around Indianapolis and Cincinnati, at the same time coming under the tutelage of local pianists Claude Sifferlen and Steve Allee. In 1980 he began working with John Von Ohlen’s big band, playing every Monday at the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis for 3 years. Bill also had the opportunity to play locally with such notables as Dizzy Gillespie, Slide Hampton, and Cal Collins.

Bill moved to New York City in 1984 and immediately began working with drummer Mel Lewis. His first big gig came when he joined Woody Herman's Thundering Herd in 1985. In 1986, Bill received a National Endowment for the Arts grant to study with Rufus Reid. He continued his studies with the legendary Homer Mensch. In 1987, Bill got the gig with the Count Basie Orchestra and spent the next year touring the world, performing at the Hollywood Bowl, the North Sea, Umbria, Grande Parade Du Jazz, and Pori jazz festivals among other venues.

Bill is active today recording and performing with a wide variety of artists. Other big band experiences include the Village Vanguard Orchestra and the Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabakin Jazz Orchestra. He has played with renowned singers such as Joe Williams, Mel Torme, Diane Schurr, Dakota Staton, Maxine Sullivan, and Susannah McCorkle. He has played with jazz legends Frank Foster, Al Cohn, Clark Terry, Mickey Roker, Tommy Flanagan, Junior Cook, Roland Hanna, Vernel Fournier, Mel Lewis, and Ray Barretto. He has also performed and/or recorded with many contemporary artists including John Abercrombie, Gary Bartz, Larry Coryell, Dave Kikoski, John Hart, Eddie Henderson, Mulgrew Miller, Chris Potter, Dave Stryker, and James Williams.

Throughout his career Bill has been involved with the education of younger students and has given many clinics at various high school and college jazz festivals. In addition, he was on the faculty at Long Island University, teaching group ensembles and private lessons. He also has taught at Rutgers University, The New School, and Jersey City University.

Visit Bill at billmoring.com

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