Jesus Molina, Selah Review

Exploring the Horizons of Fusion: Jesus Molina’s Selah

by Ferell Aubre

Jesus Molina’s latest offering, Selah, finds the artists seamlessly bridging the old and the new, the earthly and the divine. The album delivers a rich program of sound that’s deeply rooted in jazz traditions while soaring to new spiritual and musical territories.

Molina, a Colombian prodigy and Berklee College of Music graduate, has made significant waves in jazz. His latest album, Selah, released on May 24, 2024, under Dynamo Productions, showcases his prodigious talent as a pianist, soprano saxophonist, and composer. The album, whose title means “praise” or “lift up,” reflects Molina’s profoundly spiritual approach to music, serving as a vessel for divine inspiration.

Opening with the title track, “Selah,” Molina builds an exotic Middle Eastern sound stage that gives way to an intricate interplay of piano and synthesizer. “Dear Fall” continues this journey with a playful Brazilian/Cuban Latin feel, featuring the legendary Hubert Laws on flute and piccolo. Molina’s piano work shows his dazzling display of virtuosity while infusing his unique stylistic flourishes and melodic structures.

“Soul Journey” is a hopeful composition in which Molina’s piano dances around the wordless vocals of label owner Noel Schajris. This track has elements of fusion, Latin jazz, smooth jazz, and Molina’s spiritual connection to his craft. The composition has many parts and textures, showing how Molina is able to weave a composition of interest and sonic textures.

“Melody” is a Molina composition dedicated to his newborn daughter. This track features the haunting violin of Lucia Micarelli, weaving a cinematic narrative that captures the listener’s emotions. Molina’s piano playing is delicate and expressive, showcasing his ability to convey profound sentiment through his instrument.

“Pichi” is an exciting fusion composition grounded in Chick Corea’s Return to Forever lineage. The intricate melody, played in a soli manner with various compositional and improvisational sections bookending it, is flowing and exciting. Molina’s eighth note placement and attack are highly reminiscent of Corea’s style during his improvisations.

“Quintuplets” is an adventurous piece named for its 5/4 time signature, which reflects Molina’s compositional ingenuity. Halfway through, the composition introduces an unexpected twist, keeping the listener engaged with its rhythmic complexity and improvisational flair.

“Blue New Year” blends Arabian/Moorish influences with jazz, creating a fusion that is innovative and respectful of its roots. Molina’s piano transitions from slow, neoclassical passages to rapid, jazz meet flamenco-inspired bursts, demonstrating his versatility and depth as a musician. Micarelli’s violin solo is outstanding.

“Kadoshin,” meaning “holy instrument” in Hebrew, is a dynamic juxtaposition of chaos and peace, reflecting Molina’s spiritual journey. The track’s dramatic flair and intense piano work reflect Molina’s command of today’s modern and contemporary vocabulary.

“Caf” finds Molina crafting a dynamic musical narrative with his keyboard. His use of various sounds and textures to augment the piano’s rich acoustics is tasteful and musical. This fusion piece features Rock Bhoi delivering a powerful and energetic guitar solo, while Cain Daniel’s drum solo at the end provides a fitting cadence, bringing the piece to a compelling conclusion.

“Out of a Dream” opens with Molina engaging in a call-and-response between melodies and strummed chords, reaching into the piano and raking across the strings. This evolves into a beautiful ballad where Molina builds rich textures with full orchestral sounds, culminating in a satisfying and cohesive ending that perfectly concludes the album’s flow and narrative.

Produced by Bobby Colomby, a former Blood, Sweat & Tears founding member, Selah benefits from Colomby’s seasoned expertise. The album features an impressive lineup of collaborators, including bassist Guy Bernfeld and drummer Cain Daniel, fellow Berklee alumni, and contributions from renowned musicians like Hubert Laws and Lucia Micarelli.

Jesus Molina’s Selah is a solid fusion album with a spiritual and musical journey that pays homage to the rich traditions of jazz while forging new fusion pathways. Molina’s technical ability, combined with his deep spiritual connection to his music, creates an experience that is inspiring. For modern jazz and fusion listeners, Selah is a promising addition to his burgeoning career.