TOBIN MUELLER: Best of the CenterStage Years (1988-1992) is a compilation of Tobin Mueller's best songs written during the years he wrote for CenterStage Productions.
Volume One highlights Tobin Mueller’s earlier Children's Theatre educational musicals. Volume Two presents the later CenterStage years when he began writing literature-based musical dramas. The progression of complexity and theme also illustrates the maturing of the youth troupe as they grew. Three of his latter shows were adapted and expanded for Off-Broadway in the middle 90s. Several of those new songs are included in this compilation.
Mueller composed over 125 songs and nine plays for CenterStage. He also directed and toured each show. His involvement with UNEP and the World Youth Environmental Movement during that time culminated in his troupe being inducted into the Global 500 Roll of Honor in 1994. After transferring his energies to writing for Off-Broadway, his CenterStage musicals continued to tour under the direction of Lyn Miller until 1998. They continue to be performed by students in classroom and auditoriums world wide. (To Save the Planet alone has been performed over 600 times, on five continents, and was made into a film.)
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Nothing on the educational music market today equals the musical genius and integrity of this work."
Deb Fett, Elementary Music Teacher, Adaptive Music Specialist
Many of these recordings are performed by adults (CenterStage Players) with a children's chorus. Several others are performed by members the CenterStage Youth Touring Troupe themselves. A few tracks are composer demos not previously released ("Raggedy & Me", "One Voice", "Walls"). All are outtakes from Mueller's nine CenterStage plays and their derivatives: seven educational musicals, two musical dramas based on literature (the legend of Robin Hood and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein ), and two adaptations for Off-Broadway ("Freedom's First Light" and "Creature").
Featured singers: Janet Planet, Timothy Dorsey, Emily Rohm and composer Tobin Mueller. Janet Planet is a Grammy nominated jazz singer, Tim Dorsey is a jazz/pop writer-performer from Wisconsin, and Emily Rohm is a musical theatre professional from Chicago. Other featured singers include R&B singer Jessica Flood, progressive rocker Anton (Twon) Mueller, musical theatre performers Jim Hart and Rebecca Welhouse. Many additional performers from the CenterStage Theatre Troupe went on to careers in the performing arts, including Brianna Davis, Justin Leath, Stacy Funk, Holly Thomas, Kate Brehm, Lisa Jarret, Kathryn Purdy and more.
Janet Planet - Tim Dorsey - Emily Rohm
This album is remastered by Factory Underground Studio's Tom Stewart. Since these are theatrical performances, many of the original tracks included scenes, narration, etc. Whenever ppossible, the talking sections have been edited out. Links are provided to original project pages in case you are interested in listening to the complete soundtracks.
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Prepare to be impressed! A fascinating compilation of selections from the nine musicals by “Renaissance Man” Tobin Mueller. I am honestly blown away by the scope, the variety of the music, and the research that went into each show. Tremendously enjoyable!"
Originally written as the theme song for the international youth envoronmental organization C.A.R.E. , this song was adopted by the 1992 United Nations World Environmental Day celebration. It was featured in the June 5 1992 extravaganza put on by the U.N. in Washington D.C. Later, Mueller added it to To Save the Planet as an encore song. "We are the ones wioth the future in our hands." Features Emily Rohm, Jessica Flood, Kathryn Purdy, Brianna Davis, Chris Vanderlinden, Tobin Mueller.
Opening song for Mueller's first children's educational musical depicts the evolution of our solar system. Featured singer: Janet Planet. Backing singers: Tobin Mueller, Tim Dorsey, the CenterStage Children's Chorus. See: lyrics.
A slightly abridged version of The Dinosaur March, the opening song from Mueller's kid friendly show about the evolution and extinction of the dinosuars. See: unabridged lyrics.
Tyrannosaurus Rex boasts about surviving the comet cataclysm. But starvation is on the horizon as mass extinction unsues. Tuatara looks for a final hope in this climactic moment. Featured singers: Jim Hart, Janet Planet. See: lyrics.
Opening song of Mueller's award-winning envornmental musical. Performed by the CenterStage Youth Theatre Troupe. Written in 1989, this show toured the world, was performed on the floor of the United Nations, and remains as relevant as ever. Features Emily Rohm. See: lyrics.
As the ozone hole heals, this song becomes a song of hope, even though it was originally written as a warning. May each of the issues brought up in the show be as successfully dealt with as the years go by. Features Emily Rohm. See: lyrics.
An abridged version of the climactic song, when the Scientist's daughter Melanie begins her rebellion, taking matters into her own hands. Soon she will spirit away the world's children to a secret island, until the world realizes it is jeopardizing the future of humanity through inaction. This song takes place in Mexico City, one of the world's most congested, polluted cities (back in 1989, before the economic rise of Indian and China created far worse problems). See: unabridged lyrics.
The Scientist tries to find his daughter. This haunting lament is peformed by Chris Vanderlinden, a founding member of the CenterStage Youth Theatre Troupe. See: lyrics.
Mickey Spleen (Justin Leath) is asked by the Lymphette Sisters (Kathryn Purdy, Dawn Thomas, Brianna Davis) to help them discover what is making them all sick. Vinny Virus (Anton Mueller) and his RNA Gang (Chris Vanderlinden, Philip Vanderhyden, Dan Jessup) provide the villiany. The show is written in the style of film noir private eye stories, complete with swing era music. See: unabridged lyrics.
The Lymphette Sisters (Kathryn Purdy, Dawn Thomas, Brianna Davis) lead the cast in a rousing circulatory homage as Mickey Spleen (Justin Leath) tracks down the evil Vinny Virus. See: lyrics.
After learning about their comparative advantages and all the other free market concepts, the cast celebrates their success in this islander finalé. Features Tim Dorsey, Tobin Mueller and the CenterStage Players, with Jeff Marozek on percussion. See: lyrics.
A rousing prologue song opens this show about self-esteem, choosing good friends and avoiding drugs. Features Tim Dorsey, Janet Planet, Tobin Mueller and the CenterStage Players.
The main character needs to find the strength to see himself free from to be his best self and transcend the less than perfect life in which he finds himeself. Features Tobin Mueller, Tim Dorsery and the CenterStage Players.
One of Tobin Mueller's children's songs not associated with any educational plays but fun and supportive nonetheless. A kind of Bonus Track to Volume One.
Prologue song to Mueller's show about the history of science and invention. It is also an homage to curiostity, perserverence and the indomitable human spirit. Featured narrator: Stacy Funk. See: lyrics.
This abridged version presents the first section of a sweeping 11-minute History of Science medley. It features Rebecca Welhouse (Magical Priestess), Stacy Funk (narrator) and the CenterStage Players. In the unabridged version these sections follow: Egyptian Agriculture and the Calender; Persian Medicine, Astronomy and Algebra; The Age of Faith and the Scribe; The Renaissance; The Birth of Classical Physics and the Age of Electricity, Einstein and the Future (see next track). Each section is accompanied by music that matches each historical period. See: lyrics for the words to the original version.
This abridged version is the final section of the 11-minute medley The History of Science. the Modern Age of Einstein. Features Tobin Mueller (Einstein), Rebecca Welhouse and the CenterStage Players. See: lyrics for the words to the original version.
The scene in which Diana convinces Robin Hood to leave the safety of the forest and begin to spread their revolution acoss the land. "We're free men, all! Beyond the law! We head the call of Robin Hood. Before us all the mighty fall. The weak stand tall with Robin Hood..." Features the CenterStages Players, especially Kate Brehm and Tobin Mueller.
Robin Hood and Lady Marion find a moment alone in the Abbey. Robin wrestles with a lack of certainty. "Who am I but a common man, common dreamer. Just a man in love, wanting more than time allows." Features Emily Rohm and Tobin Mueller.
The cast sings about their hope. "We can change the world, change it now. Throw away the chains, free us all. Build a better land, dressed in joy, dressed in forest green..." Features Emily Rohm, Tobin Mueller and the CenterStage Players.
From the confines of prison, Robin sings about the many kinds of walls. "I was once a ʻrespectableʼ man. Owning gold, owning souls, owning land. An existence so parceled and planned. I hadnʼt a clue of what freedom meant. The power that I held bought its own consent. The wealth that I owned, it really owned me. Demanded my soul... I had to break free. So I cast off all petty pretense. Turned my back on my inheritance. To be true, Iʼve not stopped running since..." Features Tobin Mueller.
The Merrie Men break Robin out of prison, but everyone's favorite youth, Much the Miller's Son, is killed. Collatoral damage. The cast mourns. "One more life gone. One more wrong. One more lesson learned, too hard won..." Features Kathryn Purdy, Tobin Mueller and Emily Rohm. This is the arrangement used in the Off Broadway version.
Marion leads the women in a song about the future while the men are away fighting in the Crusades. "Let’s wage peace, in the Great Dream. Hate must cease, in the Great Dream. Each must be, in the Great Dream, equal and free..." Features Angela Verrier and the CenterStage Players.
Tobin Mueller wrote this song in 1984 when the Statue of Liberty restoration began. It was performed at the 1986 Centennial in D.C. He later adaptaed it into a duet between Robin Hood and Lady Marion. "See her great light, parting the night. My only queen: Sweet Liberty..." features Tobin Mueller and Jessica Flood.
Mueller's groundbreaking one-act rock opera "Frankenspell Superstar" debuted in 1992 to fabulous reviews. He would later expand the show into two acts for a family-friendly Off Broadway run in 1995. Then, in 1996, he rewrote the script with a far more adult bend, adding edgier storylines and character arcs, renaming it "Creature". This track is from the original CenterStage Players one-act, the scene that introduces Dr. Victor Frankenstein as he creates then celebrates his Creature. Features Jessica Flood, Kathryn Purdy, Lisa Jarret, Lindsey Teetaert, Holly Thomas and Emily Rohm as the Gypsies; Chris Vanderlinden as Victor Frankenstein: See: lyrics to the uncut version.
Again featuring Emily Rohm as the mountain girl, this abridged scene takes place as Hilde encourages the Creature, as well as all of the lab animals caged in Frankenstein's laboratory, to escape and follow her into the mountains.
Safe in the wilds of the mountains, Hilde begins to teach the Creature about life. Featuring Emily Rohm as Hilde and Matt Knudsen as the Creature. The CenterStage players round out the chorus of gypsies and lab animals. See: lyrics.
Beginning with underscoring, the scene shows the making of the Creature. As Dr. Frankenstein assembles the human organs, the Spirit of each organ (the actors who make up the Broadway version chorus) watches and comments. Victor Frankenstein (Tim Cunningham) is accompanied by his fiancé Elisabeth (Jessica Flood).
This was first added to the show when it was expanded into two acts. It remained a centerpiece of the next version, the Creature's dramatic solo soliloquy. It represents the moment he discovers his own voice from within the cacophony of the spirit voices that make up his organs.
This is Mueller's most recorded song. It was first used in the Broadway version of "Creature", and subsquently used in "Runners in a Dream." It also appears in Mueller's album If I Could Live Long Enough and many other artists' albums and live shows. This version features Emily Rohm.
This replaced "When You Came" as the finalé when the Off-Broadway version of "Frankenspell Superstar" evolved into "Creature" (as performed at the John Houseman Theatre). Mueller has created a medley of this song for his 2020 album Wonder (Volume One, track 11), as well as an instrumental version (Volume One, track 12). He also repurposed this music to underscore poetry in his spoken word album Afterwords. A version of the "Afterwords" adaptation appears as a piano solo on Afterwords: Bonus Tracks under the title "One With Stars".
The Creature dies saving Hilde from the burning of Frankenstein's Tower. The cast gathers around his fallen body to pay homage. A reprise of "When You Came". This song as the finalé of the original "Frankenspell Superstar" one-act. See: lyrics.
TOBIN MUELLER: Best of the CenterStage Years - soundtrack/musicals. Compilation of 42 songs from Mueller's 9 musicals produced under the CenterStage banner. Volume One highlights his delightful children's educational music; Volume Two presents his Broadway offerings. From humorous wordplay to clever histories, romantic soliloquys to powerful rock opera duets, this music informs, inspires, entertains and satisfies.
Instead of Heaven - Mueller follows his upbeat jazz ensemble album What Survives with a series of contemplative piano meditations. All original compositions using Greek myth as inspiration, this 10-track album forms a lyrical song cycle, a spiritual journey of both emotional and intellectual content. Melds modal post-bop, Romanticism, Jazz Impressionism and New Age styles. Influences include: Keith Jarrett, Brad Mehldau, Michel Camilo, as well as Chopin, Debussy, Rachmaninoff. "Each composition is breathtaking, adding to the musical language of both modal post-bop jazz and neo-classical piano." George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly
Flow: The Music of J.S. Bach and Tobin Mueller is a double album featuring
Mueller's reinterpretations of Bach's greatest hits (Disc 1) plus two original jazz piano suites by Mueller
(Disc 2). Inventive, playful, joyous, beautiful, full of emotion and intelligence. Mueller embraces the sense
of timelessness one achieves when in the state of flow, bridging the centuries, letting Bach's 300 year
old manuscripts inspire through new expression. Jazz influences include Brad Mehldau, Fred Hersch, Gerald Clayton. "This may be the pianist-composer’s most ambitious and sophisticated recording. Highly recommended." Fanfare Magazine's 2015 Editor's Choice.
Of Two Minds: The Music of Frédéric Chopin and Tobin Mueller is the final addition to
Mueller's "Masterworks Trilogy" in which he explores the intersections of classical and jazz piano. Mueller reinterprets
Chopin's most iconic piano solos (Disc 1) and uses the preludes
to inspire three original jazz piano sonatas (Disc 2). Seductive, rebellious, heroic and beautiful. Jazz influences include Chick Corea, Dave Brubeck, Keith Jarrett. "One would be hard-pressed to find an artist with a more creative musical mind than Tobin Mueller’s." Fanfare Magazine's 2016 Editor's Choice.
Impressions of Water & Light is an exploration of the cross-inspirations between Impressionist and jazz piano,
including adaptations of music by Debussy, Ravel, Fauré, Satie, Ibert and Carpenter. Tobin uses the written notes as if they are light and his imagination as if
it is water, creating all new interpretations. This post-Impressionist
music illustrates the intimacy between jazz and Impressionist music. You will
never hear these works the same again. The gorgeous CD booklet is a work of art in itself, pairing an Impressionist
painting with each piece. One of the three album in Mueller's "Masterworks Trilogy".
Midwinter Born is a collection of jazz piano interpretations of traditional
Christmas carols. Mueller captures the quiet simplicity, expectant playfulness and over-riding joy of the season. A
delightful and sometimes surprising album destined to become one of your annual holiday favorites. The 18 track album includes: First
Noel, Bring A Torch Jeanette Isabella, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, O Holy Night, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Carol of the Bells, Lo How A Rose E'er Bloom, Good King Wenceslas, Still, Still, Still and many more.
Morning Whispers is Tobin's first solo piano collection, a song cycle of
tragic beauty. Music of healing and introspection. The use of key changes,
unusual time signatures, and other variational devices makes this work involving, not merely New Age background music. Its gentle intensity, however, does not detract from its healing essence, its sense of inner joy. Influences include
Aaron Copland, Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea, Bill Evans, David Lanz, Liz Story. Several of these piano pieces have since been used in film and documentaries.
13 Masks is Tobin's second solo piano collection. An exploration of the links between avant-garde 20th Century music and jazz. Tobin used illustrations of 13 medieval masks to inspire songs combining ragtime, jazz and 20th Century avant-garde
classical. Influences
include Thelonious Monk, Dave Brubeck, Art Tatum, Scott Joplin, John Medeski, as well as classical composers Shostakovich, Ligeti, Bartok. These pieces will startle and delight.
"A truly unique album with music to really sink your teeth into."
Afterwords - Combining spoken word and
solo piano, Tobin "illustrates" his favorite works of literature with a wide variety of new
musical compositions. He pays homage to classic authors like Hemmingway, Steinbeck, Vonnegut,
Faulkner, as well as new authors Dave Eggers, Chuck Palahniuk, Aimee Bender and China Miéville. Musical influences include Oscar Peterson, Hiromi, Brad Maldheu, Fred Hersch, John Taylor, even Keith Emerson. "An astonishing work of art." Jazziz's 2017 Critics' Choice.
Afterwords: Solo Piano Bonus Tracks - For those of you who prefer music without any interruptions, seven of the best tracks from Afterwords have been remastered with the talking edited out. Originally conceived for distribution to jazz radio stations, this Bonus Album is now avaiilable to the egeneral public. Influences include Oscar Peterson, Hiromi, Brad Maldheu, Fred Hersch, John Taylor; post-bop, stride, new age, classic jazz.
Standard Deviations - Jazz/Blues - Although this is mainly an ensemble album, half the tracks on Disc 2 of this two volume recording are solo piano arrangements. Think of this is a piano album with fabulous guest artists sitting in on 2/3s of the tunes! See Standard Deviations project page for complete Liner Notes and several Bonus Tracks. "The greatest collection of reimagined standards in the last decade."
Best of Tobin Mueller, Volumes 1-5 - 5-volume compilation, presenting Mueller's best Contemporary Jazz, Funk, Fusion, Blues, Chill Jazz, more. A stunning collection featuring such greats as Ron Carter, Donny McCaslin, Michael Hedges, Paul Nelson, Scott Rockenfield, Dane Richeson and Woody Mankowski. Mueller is front and center on piano, B3 organ, vintage keys. "Nothing short of excellent. Mueller has performed across the entire spectrum of jazz, creating a fabulous assortment of classics."
Prestidigitation - The best of Contemporary Jazz Fusion. Mueller's all-star band takes on Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Frank Zappa, John Coltrane, Weather Report, Stevie Wonder, Bill Evans, Tower of Power and more. Featured soloists: Paul Nelson (Grammy-winning guitarist), David Dejesus (Birdland Jazz Band director), Ruben de Ruiter (John Patitucci Band), Woody Mankowski (What Survives)... "A jazz-fusion tour de force. Each spin and turn opens the door to a new interpretive wrinkle that is sure to delight."
What Survives - Radio Edits - Jazz - Remastered Radio Edits of the best tracks from What Survives - Volumes 1 & 2. Fresh and spontaneous yet expertly crafted arrangements. Contemporary Jazz at its finest. Ensemble includes: Woody Mankowski, Ron Carter, Bill Barner, Doug Schneider, Tom Washatka, Ken Schaphorst, Bob Levy, Dane Richeson, Martyn Kember-Smith and Tobin’s nephew Chris Mueller. CD contains 15 tracks; digital version includes 3 Bonus Tracks.
Standard Deviations - Jazz/Blues - Keyboardist Tobin Mueller is joined by Grammy-winner Paul Nelson (guitars), Woody Mankowski (saxophones), Lamar Moore & Mike Nappi (percussionists) to breathe new life into 33 standards in this fresh Two Volume CD. An homage to Monk, Ellington, Gershwin, Brubeck, Bernstein, Berlin, Kern, Mercer, Hoagy Carmichael, Lennon-McCartney, Richard Rodgers, Harold Arlen, Billy Strayhorn and more. "The greatest collection of reimagined standards in the last decade."
Come In Funky Old School Funk and and small combo Jazz featuring
legendary bassist Ron Carter. "You guys can play! These are, almost without exception, very complicated numbers in terms of rhythm and the general sync of
solos with ensemble playing, a stellar set of recordings that, I believe, adds seriously to the body of jazz that this represents. A remarkable work in every single way I can think of. This is such a bright and happy album that is played with a spirit of invention and joy from the first notes to the last." - Paul Page
The Muller's Wheel is a collaborative project combining the
talents of pianist Tobin Mueller and saxophonist Woody Mankowski, featuring their jazz quartet and their larger 8-pieace ensemble, playing swing to bop to fusion to funk. The
styles of Count Basie, Charlie Parker, Lester Young, Herbie Hancock, The Brecker Brothers, Weather Report and more
influence this homage to the jazz greats. This is joyous music. "It reminds us of the happiness we relive when returning to our musical roots," say Mueller and Mankowski.
Rain Bather is an 80 minute long play CD featuring superlative solo performances by all-star band members. Most of the tunes are in the jazz-funk-fusion vein,
but many others try to break new ground, defying easy labels. Tobin Mueller - B3 organ, synth;
Woody Mankowski - soprano sax;
Chris Mueller - acoustic piano;
Jeff Cox - acoustic bass;
Dane Richeson - drums;
Tom Washatka - tenor sax;
Doug Schnieder - tenor sax;
Ken Schaphorst - flugelhorn;
Bob Levy - trumpet;
Sal Giorgianni - flute;
Bill Barner - clarinet.
WONDER - progressive rock/pop Jazz Fusion. Although this tour de force double album is mainly about the power of progressive rock, Mueller's interpretive jazz keyboards add a modal flavor to each track. Styles transcends prog and pop, with influences of jazz, classical, electronica and world music layered throughout. Features rearrangements of songs from his Audiocracy years, rock operas and stage shows, plus new material certain to blow you away.
Mickey Spleen Save the Day - Jazz Musical Theatre. This delightful recording is Mueller's educational children's musical about the human body, health and the immune system. It features his CenterStage youth Theatre Troupe performing his film noir who-done-it musical comedy. Characters include Mickey Spleen, Vinny Virus, The Lymphette Sisters and the GI Guys. Mueller wrote 8 children's musicals, but this is the only all-jazz score.
Instead of Heaven - Contemplative piano meditations, all original compositions using Greek myth as inspiration. 10-tracks forms a lyrical song cycle, a spiritual journey both emotional and intellectual. Melds modal post-bop, Contemporary Romanticism, Jazz Impressionism and New Age styles. Influences include: Keith Jarrett, Brad Mehldau, Michel Camilo, as well as Chopin, Debussy, Rachmaninoff. "Uniquely breathtaking, adding to the musical language of contemporary piano." George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly
Afterwords - Combining spoken word and
solo piano, Tobin "illustrates" his favorite works of literature with a wide variety of new
musical compositions. He pays homage to classic authors like Hemmingway, Steinbeck, Vonnegut,
Faulkner, as well as new authors Dave Eggers, Chuck Palahniuk, Aimee Bender and China Miéville. Musical influences include Oscar Peterson, Hiromi, Brad Maldheu, Fred Hersch, John Taylor, even Keith Emerson. "An astonishing work of art."
Flow: The Music of J.S. Bach and Tobin Mueller, especially Disc 2 - Tobin plays Tobin. Two post-bop jazz piano suites make up Disc 2. Each shows Bach influences, but draws more from contemporaries Brad Mehldau, Fred Hersch and Gerald Clayton. "This may be the pianist-composer’s most ambitious and sophisticated recording project to date... a journey that inevitably explores the interactions of Baroque and jazz." Fanfare Magazine's 2015 Editor's Choice Award.
Of Two Minds: The Music of Frédéric Chopin and Tobin Mueller, especially Disc 2 - Tobin plays Tobin. Three original jazz piano sonatas make up Disc 2. Each shows Chopin influences, but draws more from contemporaries Chick Corea, Dave Brubeck and Keith Jarrett. "One would be hard-pressed to find an artist with a more creative musical mind than Tobin Mueller’s - especially one with the playing chops to fulfill his or her vision." Fanfare Magazine's 2016 Editor's Choice Award.
Impressions of Water and Light is an exploration of the cross-inspirations between Impressionist and contemporary jazz piano,
including adaptations of music by Debussy, Ravel, Fauré, Satie, Ibert and Carpenter. "The listener has the sense that Mueller is having his personal conversation as a composer and pianist with these great 19th- and 20th-century composers." This is third album of "The Masterworks Trilogy" which includes Flow and Of Two Minds.
Midwinter Born is a collection of jazz piano interpretations of traditional
Christmas carols. Mueller captures the quiet simplicity, expectant playfulness and over-riding joy of the season. The 18 track album includes: First
Noel, Bring A Torch Jeanette Isabella, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, O Holy Night, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Carol of the Bells, Lo How A Rose E'er Bloom, Good King Wenceslas, Still, Still, Still and many more.
Morning Whispers is Tobin's first solo piano collection, a song cycle of
tragic beauty. Music of healing and introspection, these New Age and Neo-Classical pieces do more than evoke emotion: they tell stories. Influences include Aaron Copland, Bill Evans, David Lanz, Liz Story. Several of these piano pieces have since been used in film and documentaries.
13 Masks is Tobin's second solo piano collection. An exploration of the links between avant-garde 20th Century music and jazz, influences
include Thelonious Monk, Dave Brubeck, Art Tatum, John Medeski, as well as classical composers Stravinsky, Shostakovich, Ligeti, Bartok. "A truly unique album with music to really sink your teeth into."
Afterwords: Solo Piano Bonus Tracks - For those of you who prefer music without any interruptions, seven of the best tracks from Afterwords have been remastered with the talking edited out. Originally conceived for distribution to jazz radio stations, this Bonus Album is now avaiilable to the egeneral public. Influences include Oscar Peterson, Hiromi, Brad Maldheu, Fred Hersch, John Taylor; post-bop, stride, new age, classic jazz.
Best of Tobin Mueller, Volumes 3-4 - Volume 3 of "Best of Tobin Mueller" presents Mueller's best Prog Rock and Fusion recordings. Volume 4 highlights his Adult Contemporary tracks. A stunning collection featuring such greats as Donny McCaslin, Michael Hedges, Paul Nelson, Scott Rockenfield, Bob Piper and Woody Mankowski. Mueller is front and center on piano, B3 organ, vintage keys. "Nothing short of excellent. Mueller has performed across the entire spectrum of jazz, creating a fabulous assortment of classics."
WONDER - progressive rock/pop fusion. This tour de force double album combines the power and virtuosity of prog with the intimate simplicity of lullabies. Track list alternates between vocals songs and instrumentals, giving time to contemplate Mueller's poetic lyrics. Styles transcends prog and pop, with influences of jazz, classical, electronica and world music layered throughout. Features appearances by Michael Hedges, Scott Rockenfield, Bob Piper (Pleiades), Anton Mueller (Audiocracy), Steve Stone, Aaron Paul, Lennon Loveday (Shadow of Nine), more...
Prestidigitation - Contemporary Prog Fusion. Mueller's all-star band takes on Frank Zappa, Yes, Happy the Man, Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Stevie Wonder, Sly Stone and more. Featured soloists: Paul Nelson (Grammy-winning guitarist), David Dejesus (Birdland Jazz Band director), Ruben de Ruiter (John Patitucci Band), Woody Mankowski (What Survives)... "A jazz-fusion tour de force. Each spin and turn opens the door to a new interpretive wrinkle that is sure to delight."
Audiocracy - progressive rock - A post-political neo-prog concept
album. Tobin Mueller: vocals, keyboards; Twøn: vocals, bass;
Darren Chapman: guitars; Bob Piper/Tadashi Togawa: guitars; Rob Thurman: drums. "A symphonic whirlwind of passion and sensations. With their tight, gorgeous arrangements,
the songs used every hertz of my sound system. The album flows from idea to idea like birds winging from
tree to tree. I predict you will return to this album time and time again, gaining new insight, just like
I did." - Progressive Magazine.
A Bit of Light - A progressive folk / cross-genre collection of songs Tobin's been accumulating for a decade,
A Bit of Light includes some of his favorite collaborations with
saxophonists, fiddle players and guitarists, mixing jazz, bluegrass, tango and folk-rock. World renown violinist Entcho Todorov, Grammy winner
saxophonist Danny McCaslin and L.A.'s Woody Mankowski, Enlish fiddler Martyn Kember-Smith and guitarist John Luper provide fabulous highlights. The CD comes
with a digital booklet in PDF format.
If I Could Live Long Enough - Previously unreleased
outtakes from earlier projects, including the 1998-1999 Rain Bather sessions, the 2004-2006 MacJams collaborations, and selected songs from two of Mueller's musicals: Creature and Runners In A Dream.
Featuring acoustic guitar by Grammy winner Michael Hedges, vocals by Woody Mankowski and Emily Rohm,
and some of Mueller's best songwriting. Six free Bonus Tracks available here.
September 11 Project: Ten Years Later - Music written following 9/11/2001. Tobin was asked to participate in the 10th
anniversary at Ground Zero ceremony and revisted these songs. He decided to put them out as an album instead of keep
them to myself. Since he was unable to sing at the event, after contracting a lung disorder, this music gained layers
of poignancy. Recorded in the months following the tragedy.
Standard Deviations - Jazz/Blues - Keyboardist Tobin Mueller is joined by Grammy-winner Paul Nelson (guitars), Woody Mankowski (saxophones), Lamar Moore & Mike Nappi (percussionists) to breathe new life into 33 standards in this fresh Two Volume CD. An homage to Monk, Ellington, Gershwin, Brubeck, Bernstein, Berlin, Kern, Mercer, Hoagy Carmichael, Lennon-McCartney, Richard Rodgers, Harold Arlen, Billy Strayhorn and more. "The greatest collection of reimagined standards in the last decade."
What Survives - Radio Edits - Jazz - Remastered Radio Edits of the best tracks from What Survives - Volumes 1 & 2. Fresh and spontaneous yet expertly crafted arrangements. Contemporary Jazz at its finest. Ensemble includes: Woody Mankowski, Ron Carter, Bill Barner, Doug Schneider, Tom Washatka, Ken Schaphorst, Bob Levy, Dane Richeson, Martyn Kember-Smith and Tobin’s nephew Chris Mueller. CD contains 15 tracks; digital version includes 3 Bonus Tracks.
The Muller's Wheel - Contemporary Combo Jazz - Remastered
as "Müller's Wheel," this jazz ensemble recording takes you on a joyous
history of instrumental jazz from acoustic fusion to bop, swing to funk. The happiest, hippest hour of music you'll ever hear, featuring
Tobin Mueller on piano & organ, Woody Mankowski on saxes. All original tunes that pay homage to jazz greats that came before. Released 2010; remixed and
reissued 2012.
Puzzle People - Love and loss, joy and betrayal, courage and perserverence define this spoken word offering. Each poem selected is accompanied by Mueller's original music that ranges from jazz to fusion to pop prog. The force and color of Del's readings earn this collection a high recommendation, but the synergy of Tobin's breathtaking music make this a truly compelling addition to Mueller's collected works. The CD includes 3 instrumental tracks as well.
TOBIN MUELLER: Best of the CenterStage Years - soundtrack/musicals. Compilation of 42 songs from Mueller's 9 musicals produced under the CenterStage banner. Volume One highlights his delightful children's pop rock educational music; Volume Two presents his rock opera and dramatic Broadway offerings. From humorous wordplay to romantic soliloquys to rock anthems, this music informs, inspires, entertains and satisfies.
Best of Tobin Mueller, Volumes 2 - Volume 2 of "Best of Tobin Mueller" compilation presents Mueller's best covers of Jazz Standards, Fusion CLassics, more. A stunning collection featuring such greats as Donny McCaslin, Paul Nelson, Bill Barner, Kenny Cash, Ruben de Ruiter, Dane Richeson and Woody Mankowski. Mueller is front and center on piano, B3 organ, vintage keys. "Nothing short of excellent. Mueller has performed across the entire spectrum of jazz, creating a fabulous assortment of classics."
Prestidigitation - Jazz Fusion Standards. Mueller's all-star band takes on Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Frank Zappa, Weather Report, Tower of Power, Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, more. Featured soloists: Paul Nelson (Grammy-winning guitarist), David Dejesus (Birdland Jazz Band director), Ruben de Ruiter (John Patitucci Band), Woody Mankowski (What Survives)... "A jazz-fusion tour de force. Each spin and turn opens the door to a new interpretive wrinkle that is sure to delight."
Standard Deviations - Jazz/Blues - The only instrumental album in Tobin's "Standards" collection. An homage to Monk, Ellington, Gershwin, Brubeck, Hoagy Carmichael, Lennon-McCartney, Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, Henri Mancini, Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer and more, featuring great players and innovative arrangements. "The greatest collection of reimagined standards in the last decade."
Song Of Myself - Tobin's favorite songs from The American Songbook, reinterpretted. Intimate, heartfelt,
devistatingly honest music. Complete lyrics and song notes are linked
from Tobin's Song of Myself page. Ballads, blues, showtunes,
folk rock, jazz - the music of Tobin's roots. These are songs he's song
for decades, arrangements that have evolved and matured with him. "American Tune" by Paul Simon. "Blackbird" by Paul McCartney. Bob Dylan's "Dignity." A
Joni Mitchell and an Elton John medly. "Being Alive" from Company (Stephen Sondheim).
"Impossible Dream" from Man of la Mancha. "Oh Danny Boy." "Frozen Man" by James Taylor.
Many more, plus two original songs by Tobin Mueller.
Hard Place To Find - Tobin has released a second volume of his
favorite songs from The American Songbook. Complete lyrics and song notes are linked from Tobin's Hard Place To Find project page.
"Still Crazy" by Paul Simon. Bob Dylan's "Shelter from the Storm"
and "Bob Dylan's Dream." Richie Haven's "Paradise." "Dulcinea" from Man of la Mancha. "Alfie" by Bacharach.
"Somewhere" from West Side Story. Many more, plus one original song by Tobin Mueller. All songs have to do
with journeying, questing, searching. Released June 2nd, 2013. "Tobin Mueller is something of a Renaissance man of the arts, and 'Hard Place To Find' presents another
volume in his prolific and impressive output. More of an art-music album than a pop release, I recommend
it if you are looking for something different and deeply personal!" - Kathy Parsons, Mainly Piano
Janet Planet - Tim Dorsey - Emily Rohm
