The Eleventh Hour

Chicago guitarist John Moulder delivers an impressive live set with his quintet on The Eleventh Hour, recorded at the legendary Green Mill jazz club. Moulder's compositions tend to lean on modal frameworks with odd-metered grooves. His pieces have accessible qualities while presenting daunting musical challenges to the players involved. A thoughtful improviser who takes the time to tell a compelling story, Moulder is able to utilize a variety of guitaristic nuances. His tone on "African Sunset," for instance, has an intense overdriven bite compared to the cleaner approach heard on the unaccompanied intro to "Cold Sea Triptych." What's most impressive is the apparent conviction that accompanies Moulder's sonic choices. When he lays the fuzz on thick on the title track and the outro to "Time Being," there's just cause.

Saxophonist Geof Bradfield and pianist Jim Trompeter are equally impressive as soloists, taking chances and gracefully applying technical skill. Trompeter is especially strong on "Magical Space," taking cues from drummer Paul Wertico whose presence throughout elevates the music to monumental heights. Bassist Larry Gray does a stand-up job keeping everyone in check.