Simon Moullier, Elements of Light Review

by Icrom Bigrad

In Elements of Light, Simon Moullier skillfully bridges tradition and modernity, introducing a unique blend of acoustic jazz and electronic elements. His reputation as a masterful vibraphone player, endorsed by legends like Herbie Hancock and Quincy Jones, is further solidified on this, his fifth album. However, Moullier’s artistry extends beyond his vibraphone skills, drawing from his roots as a drummer, composer, and producer to create a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new.

The album opens with ‘808,’ a track that sets the tone for the seamless blending of electronic and acoustic elements. The rhythm of an 808 drum machine, combined with the acoustic drums of Jongkuk ‘JK’ Kim, creates a unique sonic landscape. This track, and the album as a whole, pays homage to midcentury acoustic jazz while embracing contemporary production techniques.

The title track, “Elements of Light,” features guest pianist Gerald Clayton who pushes Moullier to explore a rich harmonic and melodic interplay between vibes and piano. The combination is so fluid that the two instruments merge into one, creating a third texture.

“Lotus,” featuring trumpeter Marquis Hill, whose contributions go beyond his warm trumpet tones; he adds layers of ambient percussion and flutes, constructing a world within the track that echoes Moullier’s concept of “unfolding” a song. The way the track evolves—harmonically and texturally—exemplifies this idea, gradually revealing deeper layers and a sense of rebirth, highlighted by the fundamental change toward the end.

Throughout the album, Moullier’s reverence for his musical heroes is evident. For example, “Primavera” carries the influence of classical composers like Ravel and Debussy, while “Jiwa” offers a heartfelt nod to his Brazilian inspirations, including Milton Nascimento and Toninho Horta. The diverse influences—from Wayne Shorter to Thom Yorke—meld into something personal and original. These echo past influences and distillation of Moullier’s artistic identity, shaped by his active engagement in blending jazz traditions and modern soundscapes.

Moullier’s ensemble, consisting of pianist Lex Korten, bassist Rick Rosato, and drummer Jongkuk “JK” Kim, deserves special mention. Their interactions feel organic and unforced, with each musician using their considerable technical skill to enhance the music rather than dominate it. The album is not a vehicle for solo displays but a collective work of art, where each member plays an integral role in delivering Moullier’s compositions with clarity and emotional resonance.

The closing track, Wayne Shorter’s “Oriental Folk Song,“ demonstrates that Shorter’s influence on Moullier goes beyond the notes, as he seeks to uncover the “hidden things“within music, just as Shorter did. Elements of Light is an album that reveals more with each listen, inviting the listener to explore its depths and bask in its energetic brilliance.

Elements of Light offers well-constructed compositions, improvisation, ensemble interaction, and production. Simon Moullier stands at the vanguard of a new generation of jazz artists, embracing the old while forging a path forward with creativity and imagination.