By LEE B. ROBERTS
Journal Times | Posted: Wednesday, April 2, 2008 12:00 am
If you listen to John Moulder's "Trinity" without knowledge of its title and themes, you might never guess that this group of original jazz compositions was written by a Catholic priest. Knowing that the Chicago-based guitarist/composer also goes by the name Father John, however, only enhances one's appreciation of "Trinity" - a work which Moulder describes as his "musical interpretation of our journey in God from the primordial to the eternal."
Named one of the top 10 jazz CDs of 2006 by the Chicago Tribune, "Trinity" was inspired by jazz legend Duke Ellington's sacred works which, according to Moulder, Ellington considered to be some of his most important compositions.
"Every man prays in his own tongue and there is no language that God doesn't understand," reads a quote from Ellington, which Moulder says led him to compose his own sacred work.
"All too often, people associate jazz exclusively with the secular, the earthy and some might say the sinful, because jazz began and flourished in environments that were less than exemplary," Moulder says in his "Trinity" liner notes. "However, the history of jazz reveals many illustrious moments where jazz also became an expressive vehicle for the sacred dimension of life. From New Orleans jazz funerals and jazz masses (e.g. Dave Brubeck's) to inspired works like Coltrane's "A Love Supreme," jazz clearly has been used to invoke the sacred."
The Racine audience will have a chance to experience Moulder's "Trinity" live, when he and The John Moulder Group perform it at the Racine Theatre Guild Saturday night, in the final concert of Jean's Jazz Series 2008. Joining Moulder on stage will be Ernie Adams, Art Davis, Ryan Cohan, Rich Corpolongo, Kelly Sill and Geof Bradfield.
While this concert won't be the first time Moulder has performed in Racine (he played in previous Jean's Jazz shows as a member of vocalist Jackie Allen's band; with jazz violinist Randy Sabien; and as a soloist), it will mark the debut of "Trinity," which was released on CD in 2006, in its entirety here.
"Trinity" is one of nearly 20 CDs that feature Moulder's musicianship, including both solo releases and collaborations. As a jazz guitarist, he has performed nationally and internationally with musicians including Eddie Harris, Bob Mintzer, Kurt Elling, Paul McCandless, Lyle Mays, Gary Burton, Niels Orsted Pederson and Terry Callier. Moulder has been a member of the Paul Wertico Trio for 12 years, and he is an educator serving on the music faculty at Benedictine University, as well as lecturing and teaching masters' classes at universities, high schools, music institutes and other settings.
All of that is in addition to his role as an ordained Catholic priest, with residency at St. Gregory the Great Church in Chicago's Andersonville/Edgewater neighborhood. Moulder also, with the guidance of Francis Cardinal George, founded the Arts Alliance of the Archdiocese of Chicago. And, he recently found time to share some of his thoughts about both his music and his spirituality with readers here.
When did you start writing music and what inspired you to do so?
I started composing early (12 years old) … at that time, writing mostly folk songs indebted to the popular singer songwriters of the '70s. By my freshman year in high school I was learning more about jazz and began composing jazz compositions around the age of 16. The music that I love and that moves me has always been inspiring. I love the compositional process. Working on a new composition that I am enthusiastic about usually results in my feeling very creatively alive. They are some of the most rewarding moments in my life.
What was your personal journey like while creating "Trinity"?
Composing and recording Trinity was a unique experience. It took quite some time. I began composing it around 2000 or 2001 and it ended up finally being recorded in 2005 and released in 2006. It was a rich time of composing and reflecting on the music I was creating with an eye on whether it gave musical expression to the sacred themes I was exploring. Heartfelt discussions in the studio revolved around areas like chaos, creation, Resurrection etc., and how musically to capture certain sentiments and portray certain sacred themes.
How closely are your music and your spirituality intertwined and have they always been that way?
I think they are very intertwined. I believe that the essence of a Creator is creativity, and so for me, personally, I have felt the creative process has been a graced avenue for coming to an awareness of God's presence and in opening to the divine.
What is your role with the Arts Alliance of the Archdiocese of Chicago?
I am the director of it. Its aim is to reach out to artists and musicians, and to provide support for their artistic endeavors. Through the centuries the Church has been a significant patron to artists and musicians. I am beginning work to establish an endowment that will sponsor high level musicians and artists in creating sacred works.
Is artistic expression something that can enhance anyone's spirituality and, if so, how?
I believe that there are many things that can enhance one's spirituality, from prayer and meditation, to service and the arts … to name a few. I am not sure that everyone is an artist, but I believe that most people, with conditions being right, can be moved by art and music. As it is often said, music and art elevate our minds and hearts to God. When that happens it is a real gift … something I really appreciate and treasure.
If You Go
WHAT: "Trinity" performed by the John Moulder Group at Jean's Jazz Series.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Racine Theatre Guild, 2519 Northwestern Ave.
COST: Tickets are $14 general admission, $12 seniors (62 and older) and $5 students (21 and younger with ID).
INFO: Call (262) 633-4218 or visit http://www.jeansjazzseries.com or http://www.johnmoulder.com