Jon Mutchler Solo Piano: Prone to Wander: An Interpretation of Hymns (2001)

Jon Mutchler

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 1, 2001)
• Original Release Date: October 1, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Too Mutch Music
• ASIN: B00005S0LA
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #470,600 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

From the Artist

From the liner notes:

"I chose these hymns because of their wonderful melodies and the ageless message of hope their lyrics proclaim. “Prone to wander” (from Robert Robinson’s Come Thou Found of Every Blessing) not only describes own my spiritual journey and erratic pursuit of God, it also expresses the direction of my piano playing at times!

"Several weeks before recording this album I re-harmonized several of my favorite hymns. I wanted my arrangements and improvisations to exploit the beauty of these melodies and explore the possibilities that jazzier chord changes and rhythms could offer. You have the fruit of those efforts.

"These recordings were all “live” with no editing or corrections. Alternate tracks are provided to compare different versions of the same song." (Jon Mutchler)

Product Description

Prone to Wander is an original and creative blend of solo piano work that probes the melodic and harmonic depths of some of some of the great hymns. It's a full 73 minutes of inspirational gems performed solo by this outstanding pianist. There's a depth of maturity and emotion here rarely found in today's newer pianists. Mr. Mutchler has woven his talents as a classically trained but jazz-experienced pianist into something very new and special. His renditions of hymns will appeal to the jazz and New Age listener, stretching each a bit!

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Astonishingly beautiful! I'm buying several more for gifts!, November 14, 2001

By	"virginiatd" (Custer, WA USA) - See all my reviews

When I listen to Jon play, I'm transported to another place. You've never heard hymns sound like this! I've always been comforted by the grand, soaring melodies of the great hymns and he's selected some of my favorites: Be Thou My Vision, Amazing Grace, Blessed Assurance, Fairest Lord Jesus, Jesus Loves Me, Come Thou Fount, All Creatures of Our God and King, 17 in all-it just doesn't get any better than this! I could listen to this CD for years and not tire of it. And after hearing it once, I'm buying a bunch of copies for Christmas gifts this year.

5.0 out of 5 stars from Solo Piano Publications, February 7, 2002

By	Kathy Parsons (Florence, OR United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

"Prone to Wander" is a fascinating solo piano collection of hymns that are given a jazz and improvisational treatment. Before listening to the CD, I assumed it would be full of toe-tapping gospel rhythms, but these interpretations are of a more contemporary, smooth-jazz style. A full-time pastor in Washington State, these songs are obviously a big part of Jon Mutchler's life and work. He has included twelve traditional hymns (with three of them repeated with alternate stylings) and two original songs of worship. Recorded without edits or corrections, the arrangements are fresh and spontaneous.

I especially like "Oh, For the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus". I'm not familiar with the lyrics to this hymn, but the melody seems to be searching and yet full of hope. Mutchler's rhythmic touches add to the sense of urgency, making this a standout selection on an excellent album! "Jesus Loves Me, This I Know" is given a surprising twist that made me think of Vince Guaraldi. It's amazing that this simple children's Sunday School song could be given such complexity and style! "Amazing Grace" is given almost minimalistic treatment and then expands into a wonderful, easy-going improvisation that meanders in and out of the melody line. It's difficult to come up with an original interpretation of a piece that is heard so often and that has been interpreted by so many varied artists, but Mutchler has succeeded well! Some of the other hymns that are included are "All Creatures of Our God and King", "Blessed Assurance", "Fairest Lord Jesus" (another favorite!), and "Holy, Holy, Holy". The two original songs are "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" and "Under Your Wing (Flying, Soaring)". Both are beautiful and inspiring, but "Under Your Wing" is exceptional. All of the arrangements are low-key enough to be an unobtrusive backdrop for a meeting or quiet time, but do yourself a favor and let the music be the focal point. These wonderful arrangements deserve the listener's full attention, to be savored and enjoyed again and again.