Parentheses' Musicale: The Moods in Profile

Music Profile: The Moods.

Liverpool is widely known as a pool of creativity and with every part of the city oozing talent in all creative areas it’s time the city was recognised for its contribution to music of all genres. Once a world centre of industry and transport to the world countless musicians have set foot on the worldwide renowned streets of Liverpool to entertain audiences both local and international.

But there’s a secret many don’t know. Whilst a certain four piece band may have taken the world by storm decades ago with their influence still felt culturally it’s more than rock and roll that keeps the city’s streets fresh. There’s a thriving jazz community too and one of its most talented groups is another four piece band called The Moods.

With a sound that inspires as their alternative Jazz excellence takes you into another, altogether more relaxed world their music is most definitely vital. Reflecting the multi cultural base of the city the members hail from many different areas and backgrounds and this brings an international flair to their sound that takes influences from all their geographical parentheses’ and creates one fully formed sound. Their music is immediate and sophisticated with a flair for production that truly impresses not just the ears but eyes too.

The cover of the record reflects the contents in its abstract leanings and if you enjoy the art of music then there will be much love to be found here. It’s often said that jazz is an exclusive musical territory, reserved for ears with a certain acquired taste but don’t let them fool you with their generalisations! The music on this album may be out and out jazz but this could please the most closed of ears with its chill out vibes and wouldn’t be out of place on the iPod of alternative music listeners who enjoy their music with a bit of ‘out there’ in the flavour.

The band is a talented quartet of musicians with much experience on the stage and on record and with such talents it would be a shame not to mention them individually.

Eric Animan: Saxophone

Eric hails from Monthey, Switzerland, and whilst currently studying in Liverpool he is frequently flying all over Europe to play with a variety of groups from Jazz to Hip Hop. His unique playing style allows him to switch seamlessly from smooth, glowing solos to edgy and syncopated melodies, whilst keeping the flair in his tone that the Moods sound is all about.

 Sjur Vonen: Guitar

Sjur was born in arguably the Alternative-Jazz capital of the world: Norway. After winning the Jazz Award in his final year at University, Sjur is now a sought after player in several countries. His knowledge of the instrument and ability to put that ‘Je ne said quoi’ into a composition is what makes his playing so highly regarded, and with experience in a variety of genres, Sjur is key in the musical style of the group.

Chris Nicholls: Bass

Undeniably one of the most versatile session players around, Chris has become the focus of much critical acclaim with a range of bands and artists.  His Alternative-Rock background and rhythmic ability bring an immovable groove to the Moods overall sound, whilst his knowledge in production is invaluable in nurturing the band’s creativity. Chris also holds the impossible responsibility of keeping the groove on track when things start to go wild…

Siân Monaghan: Drums

Siân first picked up a pair of drumsticks at the age of 9 and was playing percussion in large scale Orchestras by 13. Inspired by drummers such as Billy Cobham, Terri Lyne Carrington and Brian Blade, the idea behind the Moods was to create a sound that fused different musical backgrounds and tastes whilst keeping an improvised feel and most importantly an element of fun and spontaneity to the band. 

The Moods are a quartet you have to see in action. So if you're on the look out for your next favorite band then look no further than The Moods!

Words by Seba Rashii Culture. Image courtesy of the band. 

Read our review of Steep Imagination, the quartets first album HERE.