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John Moulder: Metamorphosis
ByThree of the suite's main themes"Metamorphosis," "Into the Dazzling Darkness" and "Morning Angels"are preceded by brief introductions, the first by Moulder, the others by pianist Richie Beirach. The last movement, "Once in a Dark Night," includes no introduction but follows the same self-possessed and leisurely pattern as "Darkness" and "Morning Angels." Only "Metamorphosis" deviates from the norm with some animated guitar licks from Moulder before it lapses into a more somnolent vein to welcome Beirach's meditative piano. The overall mood, it must be said, is more cheerless than changeable, leaving the listener to wonder what the transformation may epitomize.
As if freed from the suite's thematic constraints, the quartet swings out with gusto on Moulder's "Sarum," showing there is more in its repertoire than contemplation and soul-searching. Everyone shines on that cheerful theme, from Moulder and Beirach to bassist Steve Rodby and drummer Paul Wertico. Alas, that is the only number on the album that lights any sort of fire, if one discounts the opening "Game Changer," which tries to generate some spark but ends up submerged beneath its own weight. After "Sarum," the gloominess returns on "Magical Space," and is only partially redressed by the more upbeat "Soliloquy," which closes the session. Yes, Moulder had a game plan, and yes, his quartet carried it out to the letterbut less meditation and more music of the order of "Sarum" would have been warmly received in these quarters.
Track Listing
Game Changer; Metamorphosis (Intro); Metamorphosis; Into the Dazzling Darkness (Intro); Into the Dazzling Darkness; Morning Angels (Intro); Morning Angels; Once in a Dark Night; Sarum; Magical Space; Soliloquy.
Personnel
Album information
Title: Metamorphosis | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: New Origins Records
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Other Minds Festival 2021