Jesus Molina : Selah Review

by Steven Miller

Jesus Molina is a 27-year-old prodigious talent from Sincelejo, Colombia, who has established himself as a force in the jazz world. A Berklee College of Music alumnus and Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation award winner, Molina’s multifaceted musicianship spans piano, keyboards, soprano saxophone, and vocals. His latest album, Selah, released on May 24, 2024, under Dynamo Productions, is a spiritual and musical journey that brings listeners into a realm where jazz fusion meets divine inspiration.

Selah, a term derived from Hebrew, often interpreted as “praise” or “lift,” is the perfect title for this album, which blends Molina’s reverence for the sacred with his awe-inspiring piano chops. The album, produced by the legendary Bobby Colomby, features ten compositions by Molina that show his versatility as he explores myriad influences and emotions. With bassist Guy Bernfeld and drummer Cain Daniel, both Berklee graduates, as his primary collaborators, Molina crafts a highly musical soundscape.

The contributions of an impressive roster of guest artists further elevate Selah. Jazz legend Hubert Laws, whose mastery of the flute and piccolo has made him a household name in jazz circles, graces “Dear Fall” with his lyrical and fluid playing, adding a touch of sophistication to the track’s Latin rhythms. On “Soul Journey,” Noel Schajris, the co-founder of Dynamo Productions and a celebrated vocalist, lends his voice in a unique, wordless performance that pairs beautifully with Molina’s piano. Lucia Micarelli, renowned for her emotive violin playing, offers hauntingly beautiful performances on “Melody” and “Blue New Year,” imbuing the tracks with elegance and melodic flexibility. These guest artists and contributions from talented musicians like Dave Mann on saxophone and Rock Choi on electric guitar enrich Selah with their unique voices, making each track a musical experience in this album.

The album opens with the title track, “Selah,” and immediately, one can hear Molina’s virtuosity on acoustic piano, electric piano, and synthesizer. The composition is well crafted and leans into fusion jazz, reminiscent of Chick Corea’s Return to Forever, yet distinctly Molina’s own. The dynamic bass liens of Bernfeld sync with the rhythmic precision of Daniel’s drumming to provide a solid foundation upon which Molina builds an impressive and varied musical adventure. Molina, Roni Kaspi, and Bobby Colomby provide the vocal pads.

The second track, “Dear Fall,” introduces the legendary Hubert Laws on flute and piccolo, adding his elegance and grace to the composition’s catchy melody and harmonic setting. The Latin jazz influences are unmistakable, with Molina’s piano solo igniting the track with a fiery intensity that mirrors the passion of the changing seasons. Laws’ contributions elevate the piece, making it a must-listen-to moment on the album.

“Soul Journey ” features the wordless vocals of Noel Schajris, an Argentinean/Mexican musician and co-founder of the label. Schajris beautifully uses his voice as an instrument, weaving melodies that float above Molina’s piano voicings like a celestial choir. The interplay between Schajris’ vocals and Molina’s powerful piano work is mesmerizing, creating an uplifting and stimulating piece to hear.

One of the most striking aspects of Selah is the balance between individual brilliance and collaborative synergy. Each musician brings their unique voice to the project, but they all contribute to a cohesive whole. Lucia Micarelli’s violin on “Melody” and “Blue New Year” adds a haunting beauty to the compositions, particularly on “Melody,” a piece Molina wrote for his newborn daughter. Micarelli’s playing is tender and emotive, perfectly complementing Molina’s piano.

On “Quintuplets,” Molina showcases his playing and compositional skills in a 5/4 meter that adds a new feel to the album’s flow. Molina’s approach is fluid and exploratory, as Bernfeld and Daniel push the energy and feel with a joyous groove of jazz fusion patterns. Molina plays piano and soprano saxophone on this selection.

Tracks like “Kadoshin” and “Caf” highlight Molina’s ability to blend diverse influences into a seamless whole. “Kadoshin,” with its dramatic shifts between chaos and peace, serves as a meditation on the sacred, while “Caf” is a melting pot of sounds, textures, and rhythms that reflect Molina’s wide-ranging influences—from flamenco to Middle Eastern music. The contributions of musicians like Rock Choi on electric guitar, Kyle Zimmerman on tenor sax, and Yturvides on trumpet further enrich the sonic palette, making each track a new experience and enjoyable flow as a whole project. Jeff Lorber provide additional sound design on “Caf.”

The listener is treated to various compositions with varied feels and harmonic colors as the album progresses. “Pichi” is a high-energy fusion piece that showcases Molina’s aptitude for commanding attention with his dazzling piano work, while “Blue New Year” shifts between neoclassical passages and rapid bursts of the flamenco-inspired piano. The album closes with “Out of a Dream,” a cinematic composition that leaves a lasting impression with its lush orchestration and evocative melodies.

Selah is an enjoyable album of modern jazz fusion, a sacred symphony that transports the listener to a higher plane. Jesus Molina has crafted an album that resonates with jazz fans with its balance of intellectual and emotional stimulation.