Biography
Grammy-recognized French vibraphonist Simon Moullier channels his vibrant and kinetic leadership style into establishing a distinctive atmospheric presence. Earlier sideman appearances alongside Gabriele Poso, Bob Sheppard, and additional artists preceded his 2020 full-length debut, Spirit Song. The Simon Moullier Trio made its introduction via the 2021 release Countdown, which preceded the quartet effort Isla in 2023.
Moullier entered the world in Paris in 1994 and pursued classical percussion studies prior to taking up vibraphone during his high-school years. After completing his studies at the Berklee College of Music, he obtained a master’s degree from the Thelonious Monk Institute in Los Angeles under the guidance of Herbie Hancock. Festival performances included the Havana International Jazz Festival, where an encounter with Quincy Jones led the producer to declare Moullier his favorite vibes player. Sideman credits encompass recordings by Alex Hahn, Anthony Fung, Bob Sheppard, and various other artists. Outside In Music issued his inaugural leader date, Spirit Song, in 2020; the project, which documents his development across multiple years, was captured during sessions spanning 2017 to 2020 in both Los Angeles and New York, with saxophonists Dayna Stephens and Morgan Guerin among the guests.
The trio completed by bassist Luca Alemanno and drummer Jongkuk Kim delivered the follow-up Countdown on Fresh Sound New Talent in 2021. In the subsequent year, Moullier received a nomination for Best New Jazz Artist at the first Jazz Music Awards. Isla appeared in 2023, presenting a quartet configuration that included pianist Lex Korten, bassist Alexander Claffy, and drummer Kim. During that same year, Moullier earned a Grammy for his arranging contributions to Terri Lyne Carrington’s New Standards Vol. 1 and was selected as Rising Star Vibraphone Player of the Year in Downbeat’s 71st Annual Critics Poll.
Moullier entered the world in Paris in 1994 and pursued classical percussion studies prior to taking up vibraphone during his high-school years. After completing his studies at the Berklee College of Music, he obtained a master’s degree from the Thelonious Monk Institute in Los Angeles under the guidance of Herbie Hancock. Festival performances included the Havana International Jazz Festival, where an encounter with Quincy Jones led the producer to declare Moullier his favorite vibes player. Sideman credits encompass recordings by Alex Hahn, Anthony Fung, Bob Sheppard, and various other artists. Outside In Music issued his inaugural leader date, Spirit Song, in 2020; the project, which documents his development across multiple years, was captured during sessions spanning 2017 to 2020 in both Los Angeles and New York, with saxophonists Dayna Stephens and Morgan Guerin among the guests.
The trio completed by bassist Luca Alemanno and drummer Jongkuk Kim delivered the follow-up Countdown on Fresh Sound New Talent in 2021. In the subsequent year, Moullier received a nomination for Best New Jazz Artist at the first Jazz Music Awards. Isla appeared in 2023, presenting a quartet configuration that included pianist Lex Korten, bassist Alexander Claffy, and drummer Kim. During that same year, Moullier earned a Grammy for his arranging contributions to Terri Lyne Carrington’s New Standards Vol. 1 and was selected as Rising Star Vibraphone Player of the Year in Downbeat’s 71st Annual Critics Poll.
Albums
Singles
