Trinity

John Moulder has released a gem on Origin, entitled Trinity. This album is an excellent introduction to the man, the musician and the scholar. For those who do not know John Moulder, Father John, is an ordained priest at St. Gregory's in Chicago. He is a brilliant scholar, composer and artistic musician.

The compositions on this album reflect not only his brilliance as a composer and master improviser, but they give you an insight to his view on spirituality and life itself. The Cd will leave you feeling hopeful, but also extremely reflective. For each composition takes you through a chapter of biblical history, but in an extreme modern sense of the word. This may be intentional, for I believe he's saying his beliefs are for yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Many people who have dual careers have attempted brave musical projects, but few have the talent possessed inside to translate their ambitions. Make no mistake about it, Moulder plays on the highest musical level. The musicians who accompany him on this disc represent some of the best musicians both in Chicago and nationally. Tito Carrillo, trumpet and Flugelhorn, has toured the U.S. and Europe with the Cannonball Legacy Band, Woody Herman Orchestra and singer Phil Collins. The educator/clinician currently serves as a Ravinia Jazz Mentor in the Chicago Public Schools, and is the newly appointed Jazz Studies professor at the University of Illinois. Paul Wertico, became a member of the Pat Metheny Group in 1983. During that time he won seven Grammy Awards with the PMG: three for Best Jazz Fusion Performance: "First Circle" - 1984, "Still Life (Talking)" - 1987, and "Letter From Home" - 1989; three for Best Contemporary Jazz Performance: "The Road To You" - 1993, "We Live Here" - 1995, and "Imaginary Day" - 1998; one for Best Rock Instrumental Performance: "Roots Of Coincidence" - 1998; as well as a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Performance: "Follow Me" - 1998. He also played on Pat Metheny's Grammy winning solo project: "Secret Story" - 1992.

Laurence Hobgood, is a legendary pianist in Chicago's jazz circles.You may know him through collaborations with vocalist Kurt Elling. Hobgood met vocalist Kurt Elling and began a collaboration which resulted in Elling's signing with the storied Blue Note label; with Hobgood as his co-producer and musical director Elling received Grammy nominations for each of his first three Blue Note releases. The entire roster for this disc is as equally impressive. All have achieved and had enormous impact on the Jazz idiom.

What makes a CD warrant review, is the body of work within this session represents the highest level of musicianship. It is music that will make you want to return to multiple listens. The improvisation reflects current, traditional and modern trends. Moulder has developed a sound that's warrants consideration from listeners and critics alike. It is music that at times goes beyond category, and yet embraces a traditional jazz value, making music your own.

If you're in the Chicagoland area, you must get out to hear Moulder and friends. I've talked with several highly creative musicians in Chicago, and they tell me this guy is not only the real deal, but is an inspiring musician to listen to. Congratulations John on a fine contribution to musical canon!!