Simon Moullier: Isla

  I very much enjoyed vibraphonist Simon Moullier’s 2020 trio album Countdown, and I’m equally delighted with Isla, his new quartet release. Moullier has expanded the group by bringing in pianist Lex Korten. Alexander Claffy is on bass, and drummer Jongkuk Kim is back from the trio date. From the first downbeat of Empress of the Sea, the mood of genial and tuneful swing is established. The title piece is up next, an uptempo romp that shows another side of the quartet. It’s followed by Moullier’s bossa treatment of the standard You Go to My Head, one of two pieces that join five of his well-crafted original compositions. The other is Mercer Ellington’s Moon Mist in a mellow arrangement. Listening closely to the quartet, you can frequently hear the vibist singing along with his beautifully flowing solos. His vocalizations naturally remind me of Keith Jarrett, and it strikes me that his bountiful musical imagination is akin to Jarrett’s conception of improvisation. Somehow, Moullier can get his vibes to sound like a marimba or an organ, but most often, he prefers a muted and clean sound without much vibrato. His spacious solo style work quite well paired with pianist Korten’s slightly denser approach. While Korten can get a little busy for my taste at times in his solos, his excursions are always logical and thoughtful as he maneuvers through the changes. Bassist Claffy’s solid sound and beautifully constructed lines, both as ensemble player and occasional soloist, are a pleasure throughout. His work meshes very well with Kim’s tasteful and dynamically nuanced drumming, and they make a great team. In fact, the teamwork of all the musicians is exemplary, with a cohesion that enlivens a ballad like Moon Mist and powers tunes like the lively Phoenix Eye. Isla is a real winner. I think of the Moullier group as the Post Modern Jazz Quartet: they’re that good. Absolutely worth seeking out. 

Self-produced; Simon Moullier (vib) Lex Korten (p) Alexander Claffy (b) Jongkuk Kim (d); NYC, July 2022; Isla/ You Got to My Head/ Enchantment/ Moon Mist/ This Dream/ Phoenix Eye/ Heart; 50:25. simonmoullier.bandcamp.com