Mo Pleasure has earned a worldwide reputation for being a musical x-factor, bringing his absolutely unique energy to a myriad of musical settings in a variety of ways – bass, keys, trumpet, musical director, producer, whatever-you-throw at him. As a solo artist, Mo has established a sound that gracefully incorporates several genres while maintaining a consistency that is organic, educated, sophisticated, and ridiculously funky.
As an acclaimed touring musician, his status was cemented when he was plucked from his senior year at the University of Connecticut to play bass with Ray Charles for his world tour. Pleasure has since racked up an impressive list of touring credits that clearly highlight his versatility and mastery as a multi-instrumentalist.
After his career-initiating stint with Ray Charles, Mo set up shop in New York City landing work as a session and stage player. In both roles, he has performed with 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, Alex Bugnon, Roberta Flack, Rachelle Ferrell, Najee, Earth Wind & Fire, Maxwell, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson and most recently, Christina Aguilera and David Foster.
He has appeared at all the major worldwide jazz festivals, earning a following of his own among devotees of soul, jazz and “grown folks’ music.” He’s also made great use of his classical music chops as a featured concert pianist, performing Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra. Mo had the opportunity to combine his appreciation for dance and love of music when he played piano to accompany the Boston Ballet.
As a songwriter, Mo has developed a distinct voice all his own. In addition to his gold record with Najee, his compositions are also featured in film. Movie soundtrack credits include “Talkin’” featured in the Disney movie “Three Men and a Little Lady” and the EWF single co-written with Philip Bailey, “Cruisin,” featured in Spike Lee’s “Get On The Bus.” “Brazilian Rain,” a song co-written with Earth Wind & Fire band mate, the legendary drummer Sonny Emory, was featured on Ramsey Lewis’ Urban Knights project. Embracing new media opportunities, Morris’ work can be heard in Verizon Wireless’ “How Sweet The Sound” interactive campaign - http://www.sendahymn.com
In 2009, Mo accepted the great honor of playing 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. 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 continues to record and release his own material on an international level and we are proud to be affiliated with him. You can visit http://www.mopleasure.com to learn more about his life and career.
