CD Review: Mark Moultrup - Dar Cho

Featured Artist: Mark Moultrup



CD Cover

CD Title: Dar Cho

Year: 2009

Record Label: mark moultrup music

Style: Contemporary Jazz



Musicians: Mark Moultrup (piano, vocals, keyboards, percussion), Rodney Whitaker (bass), George Fludas (drums), John Wojciechowski (saxophone, flute), Kurt Sweitz (arco bass), Ernie Adams (percussion)

Review: Dar Cho is the latest release from pianist, vocalist, composer arranger and educator Mark Moultrup. Dar Cho is a Tibetan word, Dar meaning to increase life, fortune, health and wealth and Cho meaning all sentient beings. Mark is originally from Detroit, now living in Chicago.

On Dar Cho, Mark played with a group of excellent musicians. George Fludas on drums, played with Ray Brown Trio. Bassist Rodney Whitaker played with Wynton Marsalis. And sax player from Detroit, John Wojciechowski.

Wrote by Mark Moultrup, the first tune, When then was now, is a modern jazz composition with interesting changes in tempo and a powerful, and warm sax playing by John Wojciechowski.

A beautiful piano intro takes us to the next track, a wonderful version of Jobim's classic, Corcovado (Quiet Nights). Mark does some nice vocal improvisations and scats at the end.

With lyrics of encouragement to believe in yourself, What about is an original song that increase in tempo to change into a Be bop style for the sax solo. Mark solos on piano showcase his command of the piano.

Ted's Last song is dedicated to a dear Mark's friend. The beautiful classical influenced melodies reflect perfectly that melancholic feeling of missing a friend.

Good will in the wind is one of my favorites on this album. With happy melodies and lovely flute playing by Michael Levin, these musicians really spread good will on this tune.

Mark play keyboards and wrote the funny, gastronomic lyrics on the next track, Avant Garlic, and also adds some cool scats at the end. Waltz is a classical piece that takes the listener to peaceful places and moments. Nice one to relax after a day full of stress. The arpeggios and melodies on Of a dream sounds exactly like music of a dream.

Dedicated to his wife Susie, It has always been you, is a good romantic song reminiscent of the standards of the great american songbook. Mark plays keyboards again on Burger in the Bush, a funky piece that sounds like the fusion jazz of the 70's.

Mark does his best vocal work on the next two songs, Come fly with me and Summer wind. Listening to Mark's rendition of Come fly with me, is obvious that Mark enjoy to sing this classic. The album ends with a swinging original, I know it's only Be bop, with some vocal improvisations and one of the best piano solos by Mark Moultrop.

Tracks: When then was now, Corcovado, What about, Ted's last song, Good will in the wind, Avant Garlic, Waltz, Of a Dream, It has always been you, Burger in the Bush, Come fly with me, Summer wind, I know it's only Be bop

Record Label Website: http://www.markmoultrup.com

Artist's Website: http://www.markmoultrup.com

Listen or Buy:

Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre