MUSIC REVIEW BY Mateusz Krępski, MultiKulti Project (Poland)
4 1/2 - STARS John Moulder remains one of the most underrated jazz guitarists in the world. His work combines elements of both jazz tradition, jazz-rock, blues and folk. This Chicago guitarist and composer has developed a characteristic, recognizable style over the years - intense and rapacious, he is a hellishly exact, demanding and incredibly spontaneous guitarist. His compositions are a testimony to the individual's freedom to create his own language, but Moulder's definition is rather a self-limiting freedom, because freedom is not unlimited!
The latest album titled "Earthborn Tales of Soul and Spirit", released by the American originator Origin, recorded, among others, with saxophonist Donny. McCaslin, bassist Steve Rodby, drummer Paul Wertico. Steve Rodby and Paul Wertico are longtime associates of Pat Metheny in his flagship Pat Metheny Group. John Moulder himself was a member of the Paul Wertico Trio for fifteen years, over the years he created four albums "Live in Warsaw" (Igmod Records 1998), "Do not Be Scared Anymore" (Premonition Records 2000), "Stereonucleosis" (A440 2004) and "The Other Side" (NAIM 2006). John Moulder toured and recorded with artists such as Eddie Harris, Bob Mintzer, Paul McCandless, Lyle Mays, Paul Wertico, Gary Burton, Niels Orsted Pederson, and Arild Anderson,
Consisting of nine of their own compositions, "Earthborn Tales of Soul and Spirit" is a hypnotic dose of modern jazz, diverse, refined to perfection. All musicians invited to the session know each other perfectly and not only from participation in this project, but also from the session work of other leaders. During this time, they were able to get to know not only as excellent virtuosos in terms of technique, but also as very flexible, sensitive improvisers. Moulder's compositions, having a very open structure, smoothly passing over stylistic divisions, give the possibility that the instrumental skills of musicians can fully exist. Drawing inspiration from the very source of music, and not from some kind of Moulder's band, we are convinced that this musical rug, full of blues moods, collective improvisations, modern jazz and muted, beautiful, abstract ballads. The exceptionality of the recording, apart from great compositions, can be proved by the multitude of fascinating details on which arrangements are made. The whole is filled with an amazing aura of warmth. Warm sometimes very exotic. It is impossible to remain indifferent to it.
*translated from Polish
The latest album titled "Earthborn Tales of Soul and Spirit", released by the American originator Origin, recorded, among others, with saxophonist Donny. McCaslin, bassist Steve Rodby, drummer Paul Wertico. Steve Rodby and Paul Wertico are longtime associates of Pat Metheny in his flagship Pat Metheny Group. John Moulder himself was a member of the Paul Wertico Trio for fifteen years, over the years he created four albums "Live in Warsaw" (Igmod Records 1998), "Do not Be Scared Anymore" (Premonition Records 2000), "Stereonucleosis" (A440 2004) and "The Other Side" (NAIM 2006). John Moulder toured and recorded with artists such as Eddie Harris, Bob Mintzer, Paul McCandless, Lyle Mays, Paul Wertico, Gary Burton, Niels Orsted Pederson, and Arild Anderson,
Consisting of nine of their own compositions, "Earthborn Tales of Soul and Spirit" is a hypnotic dose of modern jazz, diverse, refined to perfection. All musicians invited to the session know each other perfectly and not only from participation in this project, but also from the session work of other leaders. During this time, they were able to get to know not only as excellent virtuosos in terms of technique, but also as very flexible, sensitive improvisers. Moulder's compositions, having a very open structure, smoothly passing over stylistic divisions, give the possibility that the instrumental skills of musicians can fully exist. Drawing inspiration from the very source of music, and not from some kind of Moulder's band, we are convinced that this musical rug, full of blues moods, collective improvisations, modern jazz and muted, beautiful, abstract ballads. The exceptionality of the recording, apart from great compositions, can be proved by the multitude of fascinating details on which arrangements are made. The whole is filled with an amazing aura of warmth. Warm sometimes very exotic. It is impossible to remain indifferent to it.
*translated from Polish
Soundclips
Other Reviews of
"Earthborn Tales of Soul and Spirit":
JazzdaGama by Raul da Gama
Jazziz by Neil Tesser
Chicago Jazz Magazine by Hyayr Attarian
Chicago Tribune by Howard Reich
KUCI - Irvine, CA by Hobart Taylor
Midwest Record by Chris Spector