Press Highlights
wall street journal
‘Breaking Stretch’ and ‘Elements of Light’ Review: Vibrant Vibes
New recordings from Patricia Brennan and Simon Moullier further advance the vibraphone’s emergence as an essential instrument in contemporary jazz. | READ
downbeat
“The vibraphone exudes an inherently serene aura and in the hands of an artist like French-born, New York-based Simon Moullier, melodies become ethereal oases begging for repeated visits.” - Kira Grunenberg | DownBeat ‘Elements of Light’ Review
25 for the Future | DownBeat 90th Anniversary Edition
Voted Rising Star Vibraphonist of the Year | 71st Downbeat Annual Critics Poll
“Simon Moullier is the unchallenged new star of jazz vibraphone […] The playing is out of this world...” (2023 - Inception)
- Brian Morton | DownBeat December 2023 4-Star Review
Simon Moullier: Vibes to the World (Interview) | READ
Voted Up-And-Comer of the Year | The New York City Jazz Records Best of 2023
NPR jazz night in america
(Interview) Youngbloods, Vibes: Joel Ross, Sasha Berliner and Simon Moullier | LISTEN
grammy
10 Emerging Jazz Artists to Watch | READ
more reviews
textura
(2023 - Inception) “…the time the musicians have spent together is evident in the synergy of their playing, which feels effortlessly telepathic.”
-Ron Schepper | READ
downbeat
“The vintage air of the album is balanced nicely with decidedly modern elements […] Moullier keeps ‘Countdown’ firmly connected to Jazz’s roots.”
-Robert Ham | READ (2021 - Countdown)
“Moullier’s finesse on vibraphone is fully apparent, instilling the music with elegance.”
-Kira Grunenberg | READ (2020 - Spirit Song)
Jazz Times
“Moullier produces an enthralling trio set that honors the work of innovators while doing some interior redecoration of their well-visited spaces.”
-Dan Bilawsky | READ (2021 - Countdown)
“He is a lyrical voice on vibes […] Moullier understands that the notes he strikes with his mallets can resonate sympathetically with the human heart.”
-Thomas Conrad | READ (2020 - Spirit Song)
Wbgo
“Moullier has an ingenious set of strategies […] and the proficiency to make it flow when he so desires”
-Nate Chinen | READ (2021 - Countdown)
“A well-contoured post-bop effort that showcases both his skills as a player and his ingenuity as a composer.”
-Nate Chinen (2020 - Spirit Song)
New York City Jazz Record
“He is pushing the instrument’s boundaries, developing distinctive tones and textures even as he is finding ways to supplement and augment his musical “mise en scène” […] liquid but fiery playing style.”
-Tom Greenland (2020 - Spirit Song)
All About Jazz
“Simon Moullier conjures elemental tides on this remarkably fluid and ear-catching debut. {…} He offers a glowing attack, sweeping suggestions, world modernism and otherworldly light. […] Delivering limpid lines which surprise and soar, his mallets cut to the heart of purpose and possibility”
-Dan Bilawsky | READ (2020 - Spirit Song)
“With the grace of a bird, Moullier’s mallets dance across the plates as quickly and smoothly as fingers on piano keys […] The trio makes for a hot chemistry”
-Geno Thackara | READ (2021 - Countdown)
London Jazz News
“A player who loves to pick up high velocity, but is also a gifted inventor of melodies. […] Rewarding composing and arranging as well as fearsomely accomplished playing.”
-Jon Turney (2020 - Spirit Song)
Jazz Speaks
Isla: Simon Moullier Speaks (Jazz Gallery Interview)
Jazz Wise
“A breath of fresh air.”
-Selwyn Harris (2020 - Spirit Song)
“Moullier has a pin-tight, hot rhythmic approach to jazz and his trio partners are effervescent in their support.”
–Selwyn Harris (2021 - Countdown)
Bandcamp
“Simon Moullier comes off like he’s on a mission, determined to follow the path of each melody.”
-Dave Summer (2020 - Spirit Song)
TUMBLR
“The trio attacks and devours each songs with undisguised relish […] keeping a close collective eye. Time as a resource and measure of expression is most definitely on Moullier’s side.”
-Derek Taylor (2021 - Countdown)
Jazz Mag
“It is as much the atypical play of an already experienced improviser as a very personal musical universe which charms, mixing acoustics and electronics, the modern and the old within an album which strikes by its coherence. [...] Spirit Song already established itself as one of the best musical surprises of this year."
-Yazid Kouloughli (2020 - Spirit Song)
“Countdown rises up to the level of some of the most beautiful albums of this genre […] It’s a master piece.”
-Yazid Kouloughli (2021 - Countdown)
Jazz News
“Spirit Song lets you hear a real musical voice that you want to follow for a long time. […] This first album doubles, of class and classicism.”
-Pierre Tenne (2020 - Spirit Song)
“The trio delivers a mature and exciting homage to the great masters of Jazz.”
-Alice Leclerc (2021 - Countdown)
TSF jazz
“The new sensation.” (2020 - Spirit Song)
FIP
“The fiery vibist revisits standards while expanding the spectre of his instrument.” (2021 - Countdown)
StereoGum
“The complexity of Moullier’s improvisation, delivered at this absurd tempo, is jaw- dropping […] There’s a very strong, old-school melodic sense at work.”
-Phil Freeman (2021 - Countdown)
The Big TakeOver
“His tuneful approach makes him a standout […] Moullier translates bebop horn lines to his vibes.”
–Michel Toland (2021 - Countdown)
TEXTURA
“Moullier’s music often glides with a high-velocity mobility that makes it feel airy”
-Ron Schepper (2020 - Spirit Song)
“The trio elevates the album with performances of high energy and conviction […] Chops and imagination are plentiful. […] Even if you’ve heard these tunes countless times before, the trio finds a way to reinvigorate them.”
-Ron Schepper (2021 - Countdown)
Jazz Da Gama
“He uses his considerable technique beautifully; his arpeggios, which whip and curl, combine logic and continuity with magic […] the clarity of his articulation, which has a private, singing quality. […] The prodigiously-gifted vibraphonist leans into his darkly beautiful, meditative music […] with a Yoda-like maturity.”
-Raul Da Gama (2020 - Spirit Song)
Citizen Jazz
“Eveything is there: the energy, the intention & the cohesion of a trio constantly interacting […] One of the most exciting musician out there”
(2021 - Countdown)
Musically Speaking
“In Moullier’s hands the vibraphone discovers timbres and capabilities – bent notes, quarter tones – it had never before contemplated. […] The 27-year-old’s seriously playful arrangements are supported with a kinetic individualism.”
(2021 - Countdown)