TODD MOSBY

AMERICAN HEARTLAND

Independent Label

Todd Mosby, acoustic & electric guitars/composer/arranger.

Todd Mosby’s contemporary jazz music is full of playful melodies and smooth grooves. The St. Louis-based composer and guitarist offers us 12-tracks that combine new age and easy listening with contemporary jazz, some blues and even folk music. There is also a sprinkle of jazz-rock on tunes like “American Heartland” that is pushed ahead by Vinnie Colaluta’s drums and Louis Conte’s percussion. However, his contemporary jazz-feel is also present and perpetuated by the saxophone of Tom Scott.

The opening original song by Todd Mosby is titled “Clouds Above Golden Fields” and the percussion makes me think about open plains and horseback riding.  The addition of female vocals adds spice and warmth to the arrangement. Lola Kristine sings the tune title repetitively on the ‘hook’ of the song and makes me want to sing along.

Mosby explores various guitars on this project, playing both electric and acoustic instruments. He has carefully picked titles that celebrate his home state.

“Not many people know the rich and diverse musical heritage of Missouri.  Bluegrass flows from the Ozark Mountains. Blues drifts in along the Mississippi River. Rock ‘n’ roll is part of the state’s DNA. After all, Missouri is the birthplace of Chuck Berry, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Jazz legends like Charlie parker, Lester Young, and Pat Metheny are native sons. The ‘Show-Me State’ has a lot to say for its musical legacy,” Todd Mosby writes in his liner notes.

Mosby’s melodies and musical messages are crystal clear.  I love his tone and presentation on acoustic guitar. On “Witchi Tai,” a song inspired by the sound of those Native American words that convey appreciation for the water spirits, the music ebbs and flows. He plays a lovely arrangement of Jimmy Webb’s “Wichita Lineman” tune, featuring Laura Vail’s sweet soprano voice.

“On the Farm” sounds very Americana as Todd Mosby plays his acoustic guitar solo. Once again, the sincerity and warmth of this artist’s music capture my complete attention. On a song he titles “A Full Moon Rising” Mosby plays solo, arranging the tune to embrace part blues, part rock, part finger style, that clearly celebrates his rich talent on the guitar instrument.

On “Joanie’s Town” (a dedication to his wife) he adds a horn section and spotlights the talent of trumpeter, Dan Fornaro. This time Mosby plays electric guitar and takes a captivating solo. On “Land of Green” he shows off his blues side. This tune was arranged by Tom Scott and also features a funky solo by the sax man.

Every original song on this album created by Todd Mosby is a treasure.  Strung together, they play like precious freshwater pearls sparkling against the breast of contemporary jazz. They create a necklace of musical sounds that please the ear and the spirit.

TODD MOSBY BAND: Todd Mosby, acoustic & electric guitars/composer/arranger; Vinnie Colaluta, drums; Michael Manring, bass; Dapo Torimiro, keyboards; Luis Conte, percussion; Dan Fornero, flugelhorn; Nick Lane, trombone; John Dickson, French horn; Lola Kristine, acoustic piano/vocals Laura Vall, vocals. Tom Scott, saxophone/Aerophone; Lee Sklar, bass; Nick Lane, conductor; Judy Kang, cello; Bruce Carver, glockenspiel.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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