MUSIC REVIEW

By Christine Callan

As a college student, I can appreciate the talent of local pianist and jazz musician, Jon Mutchler. I am always looking for music that will make studying more bearable or calm my nerves on a busy day. On his latest piano CD, Prone to Wander, Mutchler takes familiar hymns, adds a little of his own personality and creates arrangements that will appeal to more than one audience. “As far as I can tell there are no recordings of sacred hymns done by a solo jazz pianist,” Mutchler said. “I am especially excited about this project and feel I’ve contributed something new to both the sacred and jazz repertoire.”

Prone to Wander includes 17 tracts of traditional hymns such as Amazing Grace, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, All Creatures of Our God and King, and Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts.

Mutchler is a graduate of Western Washington University and he makes his home in Ferndale with his wife and five children.

He is releasing a second CD entitled Piercing the Heart that will feature a collection of songs most requested by his audience. These include selections from musicals like Cats, Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story and Sound of Music. Also included are favorites like “My Funny Valentine,” “As Time Goes By,” “Moon River,” and “Make Someone Happy.”

Two venues will host CD release concerts as Mutchler continues to perform all throughout Whatcom County. He will perform on October 28 from 3-5 p.m. at Resort Semiahmoo and on December 8 at 2 p.m. at the Whatcom Museum. Both events are free and more information can be found at www.JonMutchler.com.