After four albums as a leader, guitarist Giovanni Moltoni releases Tomorrow’s Past  (C#2 Music Productions, 2013).

Accompanying him in this session are Greg Hopkins, trumpet; Fernando Huergo, bass; and Bob Tamagni, drums.

“Just a Thought” begins the set. Trumpet leads while guitar fills on the moderate, happy-go-lucky melody. Bass and drums keep time, throwing in personal touches here and there. Hopkins then steps out for an extended solo, playing freely as the pace shifts back and forth between 4/4 and 3/4. Moltoni follows. The transitions are seamless.

“Green Line” is a happening, finger-snapping tune. Tamagni’s brush strokes add a little seasoning. Again, the trumpet leads most of the way, going on a delightful jaunt, with the guitar, bass and drums providing the scenery.

Moltoni plays in such a way that harmonies and melodies aren’t as distinctive. His deft fingering at times goes from one line to two, or three, making it sound as if the guitar tracks are layered instead of played in real time.

Born in Italy and based in the United States, Moltoni purchased his first guitar at age 14 and took lessons at a local conservatory. He was influenced by blues, jazz and classical. After studying at the Berklee College of Music in Perugia, Italy, and moving to the United States, he enrolled in the New England Conservatory in Boston, where he received a master of fine arts degree in Jazz Guitar.

Moltoni penned six of the tracks on Tomorrow’s Past. Two were written by Hopkins and one by Huergo.