Veteran composer Tobin Mueller is back with a spectacular double album titled ‘Blue Side Vols. 1 & 2’. Tobin didn’t come alone as he also has the talented Tomás Martinez on alto saxophone adding an excellent dimension to the overall style. The two-disc set includes a wide variety of songs with everything from contemporary jazz and blues to bee-bop, post-bop and a lil chill for good measure. ‘Blue Side Vols. 1 & 2’ aren’t just a solid listen but also an experience from beginning to end!
On ‘Volume 1’, we start things off with “Let Me Play” that is a very strong start indeed! “Let Me Play” has an elegant touch to go along with smooth playing and a nice arrangement. Next, we hear “Monk’s Thelonious Sphere” with Tobin tickling the ivories and Tomás adding some pizzazz on sax. We now go “Just Above The Ground” where a sense of peace and ease rushes over you. “Just Above The Ground” offers a bright texture musically to go along with a wonderful performance that is comforting. Track four, “Shadow of Success”, includes a bit of mystery and wonder that keeps you on your toes and has your ears buzzin’. It’s time to sit back and enjoy an easy-going flow on “Summertime”, which is an original cover of Gershwin’s classic. Get ready to put some zesty pep in your step on “Birth Joy” that is a lively, little number. There is plenty of good spice added in on the following composition titled “Salmon Ladder” as this flavorful track will entice your palette. Track eight, “The Shape of Love”, offers up a loving melody and tone as the mood is set to a romantic scene and charming atmosphere. The listener will jump into “Tide Pools” next that proves to be an enriching experience complete with a seasoned sound that is full of depth. What better way to end a 10-song set than with a “Slow Dance” that is well-structured and brilliantly played.
‘Vol. 2’ starts off with some “Yin Yang”, which provides an appealing melody that grabs you right away and proves to be a real crowd-pleaser. Next, a cool breeze of sound surrounds you on “Shades of Blues in the Night” as Tobin Mueller and Tomás Martinez hit on all the right notes with stellar instrumentation. Track three, “Shenandoah”, has a slowed-down tempo that draws you in and has major impact on the listener. A bit of a romance is in the air on the following composition “Phases of the Moon” as an elegant touch is also present. Next, the piano steals the show on “Prelude Emancipation” as Tobin’s skillful playing is highlighted wonderfully. Track six, “Cut Flowers”, is the perfect batch of peaceful & sensitive notes that are a pure joy to hear. Tobin and Tomás give you a spirited adventure and an incredibly gripping feel on “Fallout Shelter” that keeps you engaged throughout. Prepare for a serious tone that makes you stop, think and contemplate on “A Lifetime Ago” as Tobin and Tomás take you on one imaginative journey. Get ready for a reflective piece that will have you pondering deep thoughts on “Reflections of Narcisuss”. Next, enjoy a classy performance that also offers a sense of mystique on “Holding Breath Ophelia”. Track 11, “Dénouemen”, is a stunning set that includes tender notes that are quite emotional in nature. The audience receives a fantastic finale that will be ringin’ in your ears for days with “Ghostly Bells”. If you’re in the mood for a composition that is hauntingly good, then “Ghostly Bells” is your instant ticket.
Tobin Mueller has recorded with Grammy winners Dave Brubeck, Ron Carter, Michael Hedges, Donny McCaslin, Jon Anderson (from Yes), Brian Welch (“Head” from Korn), Bob Lanzetti (Snarky Puppy), Carl Fischer, Sal Giorgianni, Roy Agee, as well as Grammy nominees Dane, Ken Schaphorst, Janet Planet, Noah Hoffeld (Brad Mehldau) and more. All musicians included on this double album are Tobin Mueller: Acoustic Piano, Standup Bass, Tomás Martinez: Alto & Tenor Saxophones, Juan Torres Fernández: Alto & Tenor Saxophones (1,12), Shahar Haziza: Drums (1,12,27), Ruben de Ruiter: Finger Cymbals, Chimes, Bodhran. Some have labeled Mueller’s composition style as “Impressionistic Modernism,” a next stage development of modal jazz, incorporating aspects of classical romanticism as well as lyrical impressionism. The fact of the matter is that Tobin Mueller and Tomás Martinez have created compositions that are thoughtful and thought-provoking running through an array of emotions and feelings from track to track. ‘Blue Side Volumes 1 & 2’ are carefully constructed and masterful recordings that should get major recognition.
By Jimmy Rae