Mike Moynihan's Purple Spectre
What is purple spectre?
Take the compositional sophistication of Wayne Shorter, fuse it with the hard grooves of Bitches Brew and Red Clay, sprinkle in some dust from the shoes of Ariel Pink, and you might get something resembling Mike Moynihan's Purple Spectre. Like a chemist mixing volatile compounds, Purple Spectre blends elements of funk, rock, soul, and hard bop into a potent serum of musical nirvana.
The ultimate impact of Purple Spectre is a funky tapestry that is rooted in tradition, yet innovative and fresh. Wry musical wit is integral to Moynihan's exotic compositions and to the searing improvisations that all the members provide. Purple Spectre is jazz as jazz was meant to be: steeped in awe of past masters, yet peering fearlessly into the future with steely resolve.
Purple Spectre Consists of...
Kai Felix (drums)
Max Goldschmid (trumpet)
Patrick Morris (bass)
Mike Moynihan (saxophone and compositions)
Angelo Versace (keyboard)
Photo by Julius Schlosburg
Our music is..
Tantalizing and provocative. Groovy and sophisticated. Harmonic and deep greasy.
“Mike Moynihan and Purple Spectre doing what makes Tuscon great. World class talent in a small town feel.”
“Mike Moynihan and his band Purple Spectre is doing it again here in Tucson! Reminds me of the days of The Village Vanguard. New, Fresh and Innovative musicians entrenched in giving the listeners a true experience.”
“This band is total fire…Mike, a quintessential artist in the Tucson music scene.”
“The electric keyboards and restrained drumming give the music a contemporary, urban vibe and when the thick bass notes linger in, it’s hard not to get into a groove. This isn’t to detract from the brass, however. The saxophone seamlessly jumps between cool droning which allows room for the other instruments, and taking center stage with melodic, wailing solos. The trumpet and sax melodies somehow wind up equal parts energetic and mellow, like something you might hear on Giant Steps.”