Recently recognized as a “talent deserving wider recognition” by Downbeat and JazzTimes magazines, tenor saxophonist Ralph Moore has developed a rapidly growing body of enthusiasts, including host Jay Leno. Moore, who joined “The Tonight Show” band on January 30, 1995, was born in London to a British show business family and was raised there and in California. He began playing music at the age of 13 and his interest in jazz fostered his decision to study formally in Boston at Berklee College of Music. After five years of studying and playing in the Boston area, Moore moved to New York City in the early 1980’s to expand his creative horizons. Shortly after his arrival, he joined the Horace Silver Quintet -- his professional debut. This four year stint led to numerous tours and two recordings. Since then, Moore’s professional associations have included tours and recordings with Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, Ray Brown and Gene Harris, Freddie Hubbard, J.J. Johnson, McCoy Tyner, Hank Jones and Roy Haynes. Moore’s sixth and most successful recording on Denon Records, “Who Is It You Are?” fully establishes his significance to jazz and received wide critical acclaim. In 1992, he was recognized in the 1992 Downbeat’s 40th Anniversary International Critics Poll.