Today vibraphonist-composer Simon Moullier has released the song “Bird of Paradise", the third single from his forthcoming album to be released September 20th on Candid Records.
When sharing about the making of the song, Simon Moullier explained: "Similar to the writing process of "808", "Bird of Paradise" was first written based on a percussion loop I made, mixing acoustic drums and analog drum machines. In the intro/ outro, the idea was to create a maze of notes, with unpredictable directions and rhythms- even though it’s a cycle I wanted to hide the beginning and the end of it to create a feeling of infinity. When the melody comes in, I wanted to break the spell of that loop with a very contrasting long note melody, in a complete different key- Having in mind a magic bird following a river through a jungle."
- Listen To "Birds Of Paradise" HERE
- Watch The Video For "Birds Of Paradise" HERE
- Pre-Order / Pre-Save “Elements of Light” HERE
Featured on latest episode of The Late Set podcast from WRTI. Host Greg Bryant says “This is a guy who loves jazz. He loves the language of this music… But he’s not afraid to open the door, he wants to use electronic instruments, he wants use acoustic instruments in this marriage that breathes and that as he says ‘reveals' linearly the message of his composition.” While Nate Chinen adds “Definitely an important new voice on that instrument, and just more broadly on the scene.”
About Elements Of Light
Moullier is part of a new generation of Candid Records artists who have come to the label via Candid A&R consultant Terri Lyne Carrington. The recently relaunched label - which already has 4 Grammy wins to its credit since 2021 - is building on its legacy as one of the most storied and influential American independent labels of the 1960s. More info on the new Candid Records HERE
Throughout 'Elements of Light', Moullier reconciles his abiding love for midcentury acoustic jazz with inspired production choices more often put to use in pop and alternative rock . So you’ll hear Real Book-worthy tunes of remarkable craft and efficacy — with vibraphone and piano melodies that are subtly reinforced by synthesizer. “I really love the sound of piano and vibes together — how the texture creates a third instrument,” Moullier says.
In an effort to perfect the big-picture contours of his compositions, Moullier painstakingly tracks demos of his work at home, then lives with those recordings until he feels comfortable making revisions. Drum-machine loops have recently become a part of Moullier’s composition process, and often precede the melody. In the case of a tune like the lead-off track, “808,” beats meld flawlessly with JK Kim’s agile precision behind the kit. “It’s been fun to experiment with blending acoustic sounds with these more electronic worlds,” Moullier says. Similarly, the majestic earworm “Bird of Paradise” was built from a blend of acoustic and machine-made rhythms.