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Recordings
All available recordings by Tobin Mueller below. Follow links to each album's liner notes, music samples, etc.
Solo PianoJazzRockStandardsPoetry/Spoken WordChildren's Music
Available Recordings Online
Jazz / Big Band / Funk
Prestidigitation
Best of Tobin Mueller, Volumes 1-2 - First two volumes of his 5-volume compilation, presenting Mueller's best Contemporary Jazz, Funk, Fusion, Blues, and more. A stunning collection featuring such greats as Ron Carter, Donny McCaslin, Paul Nelson, Dane Richeson, Scott Rockenfield, 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
Prestidigitation - The best of Contemporary Jazz Fusion. Mueller's all-star band takes on Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Frank Zappa, John Coltrane, Stevie Wonder, Sly Stone, Weather Report, 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 cover
What Survives (Radio Edits) - Contemporary Jazz at its finest. Spontaneous yet expertly crafted arrangements. Remastered and edited for radio play. A fusion of Big Band, Funk, World, R&B and Post-Bop. Ensemble includes: Woody Mankowski, Bill Barner, Ron Carter, Doug Schneider, Tom Washatka, Ken Schaphorst, Bob Levy, Dane Richeson, Martyn Kember and Chris Mueller. CD contains 15 tracks; digital version includes 3 Bonus Tracks. "One of the freshest and sheerly entertaining recordings I've come across."
What Survives cover
What Survives, Volumes 1 & 2 - Jazz - This collection displays Mueller's breadth of talent as a composer, while featuring some of the greatest jazz players out there. Big Band, Fusion, Funk, World, Post-Bop and Progressive are all brought to life on this vibrant and varied recording. Several vocal ballads sung by Woody Mankowski provide the chill, as the overriding vibe explodes with exuberant contemporary jazz. Volume 2 constains previously unreleased composer demos that will delight Mueller's theatrical fans. 26 tracks.
Standard Deviations cover
Standard Deviations, Volumes 1 & 2 - 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, Hoagy Carmichael, Lennon-McCartney and more. "The greatest collection of reimagined standards in the last decade." (Standard Deviations project page includes numerous Bonus Tracks/alternative takes.)
Come In Funky cover
Come In Funky - Jazz/Funk - Old School Funk and and small combo Jazz featuring legendary bassist Ron Carter. This eclectic blend of Jazz and Funk is the second collaboration between keyboardist Tobin Mueller and saxophonist Woody Mankowski. Half of these tunes will transport you back in time to when most everything (music, clothes, language) owed its hipness to the Funk wing of 1970s jazz. The other half resonates with unique intimacy, playfulness and humor. A delight. For more info, see: Come In Funky Project page. 2014.
The Muller's Wheel cover
Müller's Wheel - Contemporary Combo Jazz - Remastered and now on CD, formerly titled "The Muller's Wheel," this jazz ensemble recording takes you on a joyous history of instrumental jazz from bop to fusion, 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. For more info, see: The Muller's Wheel Project page.
Rain Bather cover
Rain Bather - Progressive Big Band - 13-track, 80-minute tour de force jazz collection by an all-star ensemble. Winner of "Album of the Year" for 2009 at JazzChicago.net. Not to be missed! "One of the freshest and most entertaining, intriguing and exciting recordings I've come across; the product of its composer's kaleidoscopic mind. A true panorama of pulsing big band horns, wacky organs, fiddles, flutes, clarinets and beats, that succeeds by accurately capturing the sound of someone smiling." - Brad Walseth, JazzChicago.net

You guys can play! A stellar set of recordings that, I believe, adds seriously to the body of jazz that this represents. Ron Carter’s bass drives. Tobin Mueller’s own work on the organ fascinates. Woody Mankowski is on fire from track to track. Remarkable work in every single way I can think of, played with a spirit of invention and joy from the first notes to the last. A delightful experience to hear such excellent compositions played so beautifully in this most-lively of styles."
- Paul Page
Rock: Prog Rock / Folk Fusion / Pop
WONDER cover
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 rearrangements of songs from his Audiocracy years, rock operas and stage shows, plus new material certain to blow you away.
Prestidigitation
Prestidigitation - Contemporary Jazz 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."
A Bit of Light cover
A Bit of Light - contemporary folk fusion - 14-tracks featuring Mueller on vocals and a huge bullpen of backing players. Styles range from tango to jazz fusion, yet always seem to gravitate to contemporary folk. Inventive arrangements, honest and intimate portraits. Featuring: Grammy winner Donny McCaslin-saxes; Tony nominee Entcho Todorov-violin; more... "The songs on A Bit of Light run an emotional gamut, telling of life's joys and sorrows, deep love and the end of love. Recommended!" - Kathy Parsons
September 11 Project cover
If I Could Live Long Enough - Pop, Jazz, Fusion - Previously unreleased outtakes from earlier projects, including the 1998 Rain Bather sessions, the 2004-2006 collaborations that contributed to A Bit Of Light, plus songs from 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. The album page includes 6 Bonus Tracks not available on any other website!
September 11 Project cover
September 11 Project: Ten Years Later - Music written following 9/11/2001. "I was asked to participate in the 10th anniversary at Ground Zero ceremony and revisted these songs," Mueller writes. "I decided to put them out as an album instead of keep them to myself. Since I can no longer sing, after contracting a lung disorder, hearing this music has several layers of poignancy." Recorded in the months following the tragedy. Also see the 9/11 Project page for notes, photos and Mueller's eye-witness commentary.
Audiocracy cover
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.
Best Of CenterStage cover
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.

One of the most creative musical minds out there… I love that Mueller ignores all boundaries for musical genres in his music, juxtaposing jazz, blues, fusion, Broadway, prog rock, folk, New Age, classical stylings... giving free reign to his vast experience and training along with an imagination that knows no limitations."
- Kathy Parsons
Solo Piano
At the Piano cover
At The Piano, Vol. 1 & 2 - solo piano. The best of Mueller's original piano works. An excellent collection of modal jazz, contemporary classical, new age and old school jazz. Puts Mueller on level of Brad Mehldau, Fred Hersch, Gerald Clayton, David Lanz and Hiromi. "One man at the piano dealing in jazz-infused contemporary numbers expressing feelings and capturing emotions, telling sonic stories that take music to both elegant and eloquent heights." (Dave Franklin, UK Reviews)
Interpretations cover
Interpretations, Vol. 1 & 2 - solo piano. The best of Mueller's piano covers, including six new arrangements/recordings. Fusing modal jazz with Baroque, Romanticism, Impressionism and contemporary classical. Includes fresh interpretations of J. S. Bach, Frédéric Chopin, Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Hoagy Carmichael, Wayne Shorter, Bill Evans, Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, traditional carols and more. This collection shows the connections and shared inspirations that have been passed down from era to era. Release date: August 2024.
Instead of Heaven cover
Instead of Heaven - 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, Liz Story, as well as Chopin, Debussy, Rachmaninoff. "One of the most innovative minds creating music today."
Flow cover
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, full of emotion and intelligence, one part homage, one part internal romance. New Age, Neo-Classical, Modal Jazz and Baroque all combined in seamless synergy. 16-page booklet included with 2-disc CD set. See the project page for details. Achieved Fanfare Magazine's 2015 Editor's Choice Award. Flow is second album of "The Masterworks Trilogy".
Of Two Minds cover
Of Two Minds: The Music of Frédéric Chopin and Tobin Mueller the final addition to Mueller's "The Masters Trilogy" in which he explores the interconnections between classical and jazz piano. Mueller reinterprets Chopin's most iconic piano solos (Disc 1) and uses Chopin's preludes to inspire three original jazz piano sonatas (Disc 2). Seductive, rebellious, heroic, lovely. Mueller weaves Jazz, Blues, New Age and Romantic, all strands of music into a single fabric. Fanfare Magazine's 2016 Editor's Choice Award.
Impressions of Water and Light cover
Impressions of Water & Light - an exploration of Impressionist piano music, including Debussy, Ravel, Fauré and Satie. Using the written notes as if they are light and his imagination as if it is water, Tobin creates all new intrerpretations exploring the inherent intimacy between jazz and Impressionist music. You will never hear these works the same again. The CD package itself is a work of art, includes beautiful Impressionist paintings to illustrate each piece. SoloPiano.com Album of the Year (2014). First album of "The Masterworks Trilogy".
Midwinter Born cover
Midwinter Born - a collection of jazz piano reinterpretations of 18 traditional Christmas carols, Mueller captures the quiet simplicity, expectant playfulness and over-riding joy of the season. It is perhaps his most accessible solo piano album. The wonder of Christmas unfolds as he takes you on a yuletide journey through his musical imagination. A progressive rock synth-driven medley completes the album with a surprise Bonus Track. For details, see Midwinter Born Liner Notes.
Morning Whispers cover
Morning Whispers - New Age / Neo-classical solo piano combining lyrical impressionism, healing emotions and contemporary jazz influences. A song cycle of tragic beauty. Every track is elegant, emotive, combining joy and melancholy, a breath of morning. Influences include Aaron Copland, Keith Jarret, Chic Corea, Bill Evans, David Lanz, Liz Story, Jim Brickman, Herbie Hancock.
13 Masks cover
13 Masks - An interweaving of jazz, avant-garde classical and "Progressive Ragtime." Blending each style through the chaos of the subconscious, the composer wanted to create compelling, surprising musical stories. Indeed, he has! 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. Also, check out the thirteen Medieval masks that served as inspiration to each track.
Standard Deviations cover
Standard Deviations, Volume 2 - Jazz/Blues/Fusion - Although this is mainly a jazz ensemble album, there are several solo piano tracks on Volume 2, including "Georgia On My Mind", "Fly Me To The Moon", "Autumn Leaves", "Secret Love", "Fascinating Rhythm", "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" and more. 33 of the best jazz standards of all-time. Tobin's piano is main solo instrument on several other tunes as well. See Standard Deviations project page for complete liner notes, bonus tracks, etc. MainlyPiano's 2018 Top Pick.
Afterwords cover
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; MainlyPiano's 2017 Favorites List.
Afterwords: Bonus Tracks cover
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.

In each of these recordings Tobin Mueller proves his originality, his inquisitiveness as a musician and a thinker, and his fluid, full throttle energy as a pianist. One continually has the sense that the piano is Mueller’s alter ego, and when he sits down to play, to arrange, or to improvise, he is engaging in an exciting dialogue of discovery with his inner self."
- Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold, Fanfare Magazine
Voice and Piano: The American Songbook
Song Of Myself cover
Song Of Myself - voice/piano - Tobin's favorite songs from the American Songbook, reinterpretted. Intimate, heartfelt, evocative arrangements sung with the vocal burden of a devistating lung disorder, adding to their poignancy. Ballads, blues, showtunes, folk rock, jazz - songs Mueller has sung for decades at his home piano now shared with everyone. Includes songs by Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Lennon/McCartney, Stephen Sondheim, Joni Mitchell, more. Complete lyrics, song notes and mp3 links on Tobin's Song of Myself project page.
Hard Place To Find cover
Hard Place To Find - voice/piano - Tobin's favorite songs from the American Songbook, Volume Two. Including: "Still Crazy" (Paul Simon), "Bob Dylan's Dream" and "Shelter from the Storm" (Dylan), "Paradise" (Richie Havens), "Don Quixote" (Gorgon Lightfoot), "Dulcinea" (from Man of la Mancha), and "Alfie" (Bacharach). Many more, plus an original song by Tobin Mueller, "Let Yourself." All songs have to do with journeying, questing, searching. For lyrics and song notes, see Hard Place To Find project page.

Highly personal music that is well worth exploring. A virtuosic pianist with a vivid imagination."
- Scott Yanow, jazz journalist/historian
Spoken Word / Poetry
Afterwords cover
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."
Puzzle People cover
Puzzle People - Love and loss, joy and betrayal, courage and perserverence define this spoken word offering. Each poem selected is accompanied by Mueller's emotionally stimulating background music that both illustrates and adds conceptual depth. 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.
Children's Educational Music: CenterStage Productions
Centerstage cover
One of the highlights of my career was working with the United Nations and environmental NGOs during the late 80s and early 90s. In addition to writing environmental plays for youths that toured the world, I help plan international events that empowered youths in the worldwide environmental movement. I wrote the tune that was adopted as the UNEP Youth theme song: We Are The Ones.

From 1987 to 1995, before moving to New York City and concentrating on adult theatre, I wrote a series of youth educational musicals marketed by CenterStage Productions:
To Save the Planet, environmental musical.
I Want to Know!, about the history of science & invention.
The Sound of Money, about economics.
Danger, Dinosaurs!, about the exctinction of the dinosaurs and the importance of friends.
Music of the Planets, about the solar system.
Mickey Spleen Saves the Day, swing-jazz anatomy musical.
Say "Yes!" to Life, anti-drug, pro-self musical.
Frankenspell Superstar, Tale of a Man-Made Messiah, based on Frankenstein.
Robin Hood and the Free People of the Forest, musical drama about freedom and revolution.
Tobin Mueller, Best Of the CenterStage Years 1988-1992, Compilation CD.

*These musicals are now available only directly from Tobin Mueller. Contact him for more information.