Metamorphosis

The esteemed Chicago guitarist John Moulder finds himself in the company of Richie Beirach (piano), Steve Rodby (acoustic bass) and Paul Wertico (drums), as the quartet offer us highly rich and melodic compositions that weave in and out of stunning textures that can swing playfully but are also often very soulful.

"Game Changer" starts the listen with Wertico's firm drumming as thick guitar from Moulder flows well with Beirach's warm keys, and after the brief "Metamorphosis (Intro)" sets the tone with a calm ambience, "Metamorphosis" offers 10+ minutes of light layers and meticulous interplay between the 4 players.

In the middle, "Into The Dazzling Darkness" offers much radiant and gentle instrumentation where Rodby's bass plucking is quite mesmerizing, while "Morning Angels" puts focus on Moulder's precise guitar lines amid the agile drumming.

"Sarum" arrives near the end and brings an upbeat energy that you'll have a hard time sitting still to, and "Soliloquy" exits the listen with incredible synergy as all the musicians showcase their respective strengths in the both swift and calm moments of very diverse jazz ideas.

Moulder's work is personal, cultural and spiritual here, and, along with his exceptional company, he adds yet another excellent record to his impressive body of work.