Decade: Memoirs

BEST OF 2018 It's difficult to say which is most profound: Chicago guitarist Moulder's compositions, his ferocity as guitarist or his gifts as bandleader. All converge on this album, a major statement of vast expressive and stylistic reach, from the epic "Memoirs by the Sea" (Parts 1 and 2) and the incantations of "One Last Call" to the acoustic-guitar whisperings of "About Us" and the fragile lyricism of "Remembrance." Ample atmosphere, color and musical substance are provided by pianist Gwilym Simcock, reedist Tim Garland, bassist Steve Rodby, drummer Paul Wertico and percussionist Ernie Adams.