Standard Deviations - Reviews
Reviews by:
Scott Yanow •
John LaMantia •
George W. Harris (Jazz Weekly)
Kathy Parsons •
Carla Süllwold •
F. Norman Vickers
Gerry Walsh •
Andrew Eales •
Multiple Blogs
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Tobin Mueller has certainly had a wide-ranging and remarkable life. The composer and keyboardist has performed jazz, rock and classical music at a consistently high level including recordings with Dave Brubeck, Ron Carter and Donny McCaslin. He is considered a pioneer in New Age music but prefers more energetic post-bop jazz and electronic explorations. At Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin, Mueller studied musical composition, physics and journalism. He became an important environmentalist, a NYC Dramatist Guild playwright and lyricist (writing for many musical theater productions), a conductor, musical director, founder of the online arts community ArtsForge, and composer of film scores, ballets and symphonies. He has led 29 recordings since 1986 to the present.
The recent two-CD set The first CD is mostly medium and up-tempo ensemble performances. Mueller’s piano, organ and synthesizers are the main voices although there are worthy appearances by saxophonist Woody Mankowski, guitarist Paul Nelson, bassist Kenny Cash, drummer Mike Nappi, and Lamar Moore on drums and percussion. From the start of the opener, a funky “God Bless The Child” (which becomes a thoughtful “What A Wonderful World”), it is obvious that this is not a mere retrospective of classic material. While the melodies are generally close by, Mueller’s improvising and interplay with his sidemen lead the music into consistently unpredictable journeys. To name a few other highlights, “St. Louis Blues” is electronic and bluesy, “Eleanor Rigby” is quite adventurous with fine soprano playing from Mankowski, “Moanin’” has an explosive rockish guitar solo from Nelson, and Leonard Bernstein’s “Cool” is given a particularly witty arrangement. The spirited music certainly keeps one guessing. The second disc puts its emphasis on dreamy ballads and Mueller’s acoustic piano although his other electronic keyboards set many of the moods and play their part. The only other musicians are drummer Mike Nappi (for a medley of “The Way You Look Tonight” and “The Nearness Of You”) and saxophonist Mankowski who plays beautifully on a tenor-piano duet rendition of “Sophisticated Lady.” “Stardust,” with Mankowski’s soprano perfectly emulating Wayne Shorter, lets us imagine how the song might have sounded if performed by Weather Report. “Moon River” evolving into “Over The Rainbow” is logical and moving. Mueller’s solo piano on “Georgia On My Mind,” “Secret Love” and “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” lets one hear him thinking aloud and creating wistful statements. A consistently intriguing and colorful set, Standard Deviations puts the focus on Tobin Mueller’s vivid imagination and his obvious love for the timeless material. It is well worth exploring. - Scott Yanow, jazz journalist/historian and author of 11 books including Jazz On Record 1917-1976 Click here to see more videos. Standard Deviations is an amazing jazz amalgam that showcases the great players Mueller chose to record with. But even more so, I think it captures at its zenith, Mueller’s genius ability to dance in and out of motifs and themes while paying such great respect to the jazz composers he "quotes”. Like Flow.. and Of Two Minds... he makes the intertwining of the composer's intent with his own interpretation sound so effortless, expansive, beautiful and awesome to listen to. I am so impressed with how prolific Tobin Mueller has been these past three decades, and truly enjoy experiencing anew his generous talents. - John LaMantia, contributing critic for Downbeat Magazine (September, 2018) You’d think that after reviewing eighteen albums by an artist, a reviewer would have a pretty good idea of what to expect when getting new music from that artist. Well, when it comes to new music from Tobin Mueller, that is never the case. Over the past fifteen years or so, Mueller has released such a varied collection of albums that any new releases are always a fascinating surprise. Last year’s Afterwords paired quotations from some of Mueller’s favorite authors with original solo piano compositions. Before that was the Masterworks Trilogy, where Mueller chose works from various Impressionist composers (Impressions of Water and Light), JS Bach (Flow) and Chopin (Of Two Minds) and gave their music his own unique interpretations. Great stuff, all of it! Calling it a possible extension of the Masterworks Trilogy, Standard Deviations pays homage to thirty-three of the great jazz standards of the 20th century. A two-disc set, the pieces are presented singly and as medleys. Some are solo piano and some are ensemble arrangements that include guitars (Paul Nelson and Pay Wayland), sax (Woody Mankowski) and percussion (Mike Nappi and Lamar Moore) as well as Mueller on acoustic piano, vintage electric pianos, organ, synths and Trilogy bass. Kenny Cash produced and added additional bass. Disc 1 is dedicated to Mueller’s father and contains ten tracks that are mostly up-tempo ensemble pieces (his dad’s favorites!), and Disc 2 is dedicated to his mom and features fourteen somewhat quieter ballads and more solo piano. Volume 1 begins with an unusual pairing of “God Bless the Child” and “What a Wonderful World.” A duet with sax master Woody Mankowski, Mueller plays pianos, organ, synths, bass and percussion on this one. The melody of “God Bless the Child” weaves in and out of the funk-fusion improvisations, and then Mueller introduces a beautiful solo piano arrangement of “What a Wonderful World” before returning to a “cooler” but more uptempo closing. I was surprised to see “Eleanor Rigby” included in a jazz standards collection, but it fits perfectly in this context. Actually, I’m not sure I would have recognized the Beatles’ classic without the liner notes, but the spirit of the song is certainly there, performed on sax, conga, drums, bass, pianos and synths. “Moanin’/Blue Monk” features some smokin’ hot guitar, piano, and bass work! “After Hours/ Monk’s Point” again pairs Mueller (piano and organ) and Mankowski, this time in a great blues performance and my favorite in Volume 1. Other titles include “St. Louis Blues,” “Take Five” and “Take the ‘A’ Train.” Volume 2 opens with “Autumn Leaves,” a solo piano arrangement that was influenced by Charlie Parker’s “Ornithology.” “Stardust” begins with a bouncy synth intro that becomes a catchy rhythm throughout the piece. Mueller layers in pianos, bass and percussion and Mankowski works his sax magic. “Am I Blue/ Summertime” is a layered solo piece for pianos and synths. “Summertime,” probably my favorite jazz standard, is often very dark, but this version is more lighthearted as if viewed through the eyes of a child. The medley of “Moon River” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is dreamy and magical and is performed as a slow piano solo with various electronic effects - I really like this one! Mueller’s solo piano “Georgia On My Mind” is unlike any of the versions I’ve heard. Wistful and soulful with an easy-going rhythm, I really like this one, too! “Secret Love” is a bittersweet piano solo that expresses so much without a single word. “Rhythm Medley” is a fun and energetic mix of “”It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing),” “Fascinating Rhythm,” and “I Got Rhythm.” My favorite on Volume 2 is the solo piano medley of “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” and “People.” Overflowing with feelings of melancholy and longing, this one grabs me every time. - Kathy Parsons, MainlyPiano.com You want ambition? Look no further than this two disc set by Tobin Mueller. He plays piano, synth, bass and percussion and goes solo, duo trio and small group in a mix and match parade with Woody Mankowski/sax, Paul Nelson/guitar, Kenny Cash/bass, Lamar Moore/percussion and Mike Nappi/drums. He takes on jazz standards, and reworks them like a mad scientist left alone with Erlenmeyer Flasks, test tubes and Bunsen burners. Doing solo work in the lab, he is filled with lyricism and reflection as he plays piano and/or synth on “Secret Love”, a sonata’d “Where Is Love” and thoughtful “A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square.” His touch and feel on the keys is of a homey and personal mind. With fellow lab partners, he puts on the goggles and does a rockish “Moanin’/Blue Monk” while having a gass of a time on a clever workout on “Birdland/Roundabout” mixing jazz/rock with rock/jazz. A funky “St. Louis Blues” and intimate “Take Five” give new allure to these standards while Ellington’s “Take the ‘A’ Train” is an artsy stream-of-consciousness affair. The burettes and pipettes were used to full effect on this experimental session. - George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly Composer and pianist Tobin Mueller’s newest two-volume CD is devoted to his fascinating and often surprising arrangements of 20th century jazz classics, which he performs on piano together with six contemporary jazz legends (guitarists Paul Nelson and Pat Wayland, saxophonist Woody Mankowski, and percussionists Mike Nappi and Lamar Moore. Not only is the selection memorable, but also the way the listener is asked to hear these tunes is highly original and revealing. Mueller creates twenty-four variations on the tunes and themes and allows these to segue into one another demonstrating the interconnectedness of many of these songs. Applying fresh textures and harmonics and layering onto the acoustic piano and other instruments the sounds of synths and vintage electronic instruments, he achieves a fresh sound that causes one to listen anew. Moreover, the sequencing of the pieces moves with such a subtle and fluid pace that the entire recording becomes a kind of jazz symphony where the individual themes and their deviations coalesce into something more comprehensive. The first disc is devoted to upbeat tempo arrangements of both jazz standards like Billie Holiday’s “God Bless the Child,” Paul Desmond’s “Take Five,” and Billy Strayhorn’s “Take the A Train,” interspersed with contemporary melodies that borrowed heavily in inspiration from the period jazz like Leonard Bernstein’s “Cool” and the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby.” Mueller’s grand piano and his fleet-fingered technique anchor the pieces and he breaks out in expressive solos, but so, too, do the other musicians – as in Thelonius Monk’s “Straight No Chaser” with Woody Mankowski’s searing sax solo. Disc two presents quieter arrangements of many of the vocal ballads of the swing era and mid 20th century. In contrast to the highly syncopated, spiky rhythms of the first disc, the second is soulful, more bluesy, and more blatantly melodic. There is an extended mash up of “Moon River” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” that tugs at the heartstrings, a cantabile “Autumn Leaves” featuring Mueller’s melting glissandi. Duke Ellington’s “Sophisticated Lady” is framed as a duet for Mankowski’s saxophone and Mueller’s languid piano. Bart Howard’s “Fly Me to the Moon” allows Mueller to play an expressive solo reverie, as does the mournful Jerome Kern “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.” Mueller interpolates musical theatre classics such as Richard Rodgers “My Funny Valentine” and Lionel Bart’s “Where Is Love?” in which he plays acoustic piano and layers electric pianos and synths for an ethereal tone. Swing era standards such as the progressively up tempo combination of Duke Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got Swing” and George Gershwin’s “Fascinating Rhythm” prove lively foils to Manning Sherwin’s “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square,” which Mueller plays as a halting and hanting solo finale to the collection. Standard Deviations is one of those recording gems that offers both lovely, relaxed listening together with thought-provoking complex connections. It is a recording that bears repeated attention to gather all of these subtleties, but it is filled with rewards for those who accept the invitation. - Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold. Also see Carla's 2016 Fanfare Magazine interview: The Masterworks Trilogy. Interestingly, I had reviewed a previous two-CD set, Afterwords, exactly one year previously. On receiving this one, my expectations were pleasantly fulfilled. But, first some words about this unusual multi-talented man. In addition to being a pianist/composer/vocalist, he’s a playwright, director and sometime actor. The current 2-CD set features Tobin on piano, keyboard or organ. Some selections have added instrumentalist such as saxophonist, guitarist and drums. Mueller might add vibraphone, drums and/or bass to these. All selections on this album will be familiar to most jazz listeners. To name a few: "God Bless the Child", "St. Louis Blues", "Take the “A” Train"; "Autumn Leaves", "Stardust", "My Funny Valentine" and "Georgia On My Mind". All are performed tastefully and in Mueller’s unique style. Hence, his appropriate title of Standard Deviations. So, this is a recommended album for those willing to listen to standard jazz tunes presented in a tasteful yet different style.
- F. Norman Vickers, Jazz Journalist Association, Pensacola Jazz The best reimagining, in the last decade, of the best standands ever composed. I love the intellectual glider plane ride through what I envision is Mueller's thoughts as he plays. I can hear his soul, I swear! - Gerry Walsh Another testament to Mueller's extraordinary creative ability and “gift”! How great too, the way the two CDs balance each other out tonally. Very yin/yang! Creative and worthwhile music. Funky fusion that is a wonderful contrast to his earlier piano works. - Andrew Eales, Piano Dao One of the most inventive versions of Thelonious Monk’s masterpiece every produced. Superb... elegant sophistication and classy seduction. A romantic homage to determined dreamers... Mueller lifts the listener. You can well imagine yourself surfing the stars as he plays. Transcends the Smooth Jazz genre. It’s one of the many highlights from Volume Two of Tobin Mueller’s latest opus “Standard Deviations”. Simplicity is at its core, an oasis of calm in an album of compressed ideas and restless diversity. Recommended. A jazz-fusion tour de force. Each spin and turn opens the door to a new interpretive wrinkle that is sure to delight. - The Cool Noise and Hot Video Fabulous blues duet between saxophonist Woody Mankowski and pianist Tobin Mueller. The energy of these two players slowly morphs the tune into something closer to prog-fusion. Mueller’s channels Thelonious Monk at his height and Mankowski blows the lid off of this piece. There is enough joy and power in this duet sure to satisfy both the blues and jazz lover. This is the essence of what makes the Blues so universal. Where blues and jazz meet is a special place where pain is given voice and leaves you smiling, lighter than air. The miracle of music. Dark harmonic chord substitutions create tension above a haunting rhythmic bed, expressing the tragic expectation of joy and sense of loss inherent in McCartney's famous song "Eleanor Rigby". The emotional eruption during the climax frames the restraint of everything that comes before and after. But, man, what a climax. Woody Mankowski’s soprano sax simply sears. Although you might not think of any Lennon-McCartney as a “jazz standard”, the inclusion of this tune in "Standard Deviations" is somehow the perfect deviation. High energy funk-fusion gives this old classic a contemporary feel. It captures the current chaos of youth sorting the confusion of being born into a world without proper moorings. This synthesis of funk and bop gives way, half way through, to a modal new age piano solo of “What A Wonderful World” – fitting for the opening track of this genre-blending/song-melding collection “Standard Deviations”. The solo becomes an oasis of nurturing gentleness and love. When the funk groove returns, it deconstructs each melody deploying even more adventurousness. I think the arranger is telling us something. - Hit Addiction and Hot Video
An Amazing Amalgam of Jazz's Best Standards
REVIEW by
John LaMantia (September, 2018)Another Musical Masterpiece from Tobin Mueller and Crew!
Standard Deviations, Volumes 1 and 2
Disc 1: 50 minutes
Disc 2: 73 minutes
by Kathy Parsons (September, 2018)
Ambition
REVIEW by
George W. Harris (November, 2018)Jazz Weekly music critic
A Recording Gem
REVIEW by
Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold (October 2018)Fanfare Magazine music critic
Standard Deviations - Volume 1 and 2
RecommendedREVIEW by F. Norman Vickers (September, 2018)
Standards Reimagined
REVIEW by
Gerry Walsh (September, 2018)Funky Fusion
REVIEW by
Andrew Eales (January, 2019)Straight, No Chaser
Featured October, 2018
Sophisticated Lady
Featured October, 2018
Fly Me To The Moon
Featured October, 2018
Stardust
Featured October, 2018
Birdland Runaround
Featured October, 2018
After Hours / Monk's Point
Featured October, 2018
Eleanor Rigby
Featured October, 2018
God Bless the Child / What a Wonderful World
Featured October, 2018
Tobin Mueller's Jazz Collection
LARGE ENSEMBLE & JAZZ COMBO RECORDINGS
Jazz / Big Band / Funk
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.
SOLO PIANO JAZZ
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.
Tobin's Other CD Collections
Tobin's Solo Piano Collection
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."
Tobin's Rock Collection
Progressive Rock
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.
Alternative Rock
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
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.
Fusion
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.
Rock Musicals
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.
Tobin's Standards Collection
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
