Tobin Mueller

At The Piano, Vol. 2 (ArtsForge)

Volume 2 of Tobin Mueller’s “At The Piano” presents the final 12 recordings of his best solo piano recordings. The depth and breadth of these compositions are breathtaking. His virtuosity at the piano is front and center, yet the innovative aspects of his compositions dominates the album. Every note fascinates and satisfies.

Mueller effortlessly combines Romanticism, Impressionism, 20th Century avant garde, Latin Jazz, Contemporary and Old School Jazz, even Progressive Ragtime. His music is playful yet profound, both emotional and intellectual. He balances improvisational stream-of-consciousness with balanced structure. A truly unique musical collection.

Mueller is counted as one of the founders of New Age music, although his higher energy stylings fit more precisely into the experimental post-bop modal jazz category. He stands alongside a contemporary jazz field that includes Brad Mehldau, Fred Hersch, Gerald Clayton, David Lanz.

Although Mueller is mainly known as a jazz composer (see the 5-volume “Best of Tobin Mueller” compilations), as well as a Broadway playwright, his solo work at the piano may be the more important aspect of his legacy. His ability to synthesize different eras and styles into new creative inventions has helped advance the art of the keyboard.

Mueller has recorded with Grammy winners Dave Brubeck, Ron Carter, Michael Hedges, Donny McCaslin, Jon Anderson (from Yes), Brian Welch (“Head” from Korn), Carl Fischer, Sal Giorgianni, as well as Grammy nominees Dane Richeson (Blue Note Records), Ken Schaphorst (founding member of Boston-based Jazz Composers Alliance), Scott Rockenfield (Queensrÿche) and more. He has collaborated with Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Fame guitarist Paul Nelson on two albums, “Prestidigitation” and “Standard Deviations”. Early in his career, he had the honor of playing with Maynard Ferguson.

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Track Listing

  1. 1. Prelude to Emancipation (3:13)
  2. 2. Gumshoe Ragtime (4:58)
  3. 4. Curved Surfaces (3:01)
  4. 5. Learn Something (7:18)
  5. 6. Reflections of Narcissus (3:55)
  6. 7. Morning Whispers (3:26)
  7. 8. Sea Storm (4:53)
  8. 9. Star Fall (5:46)
  9. 10. A Prayer for Those Who Come After (4:25)
  10. 11. Instead of Heaven (5:40)
  11. 12. The Shape of Love (4:35)

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