If you’re a fan of world music and jazz fusion, then you’ll love ‘Fragments’ by Tobin Mueller. Tobin really has a knack for writing catchy compositions that are creative to the bone. Tobin Mueller invites listeners everywhere to get lost in a world of ‘Fragments’ where music has no boundaries.
Tobin explains that “Fragments refers to snippets that echo inside your head, staying with you over a lifetime”. Tobin Mueller creates highly original material that many people will enjoy and appreciate. These ‘Fragments’ will pass from person to person and from place to place with memories being made along the way. This album contains samples of famous songs by many notable artists such as Lennon-McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Paul Simon, and more. Tobin puts his authentic stamp on each song and ‘Fragments’ is born!
The album features Tobin Mueller on acoustic & electric pianos, organ, clavinet, vibraphone, marimba, kalimba, Trilian basses, Ruben de Ruiter on percussion, Bob Lanzetti on guitar, Woody Mankowski on vocals, sax, Roy Agee on trombone, Tomás Martinez on saxophones, Mikie Martel on trumpet, flugelhorn, Chris West on flute, saxophone, Amit Erez on guitar, Niels van der Steenhoven on guitar, Filip Dinev on bass, guitar, Peter Ferguson on guitar and Noah Hoffeld on cello. The overall sound is invigorating and audiences everywhere will cherish ‘Fragments’, piece by piece.
We head down “Tobacco Road” first where Tobin is simply on fire and lighting up the airwaves. “Tobacco Road” is one smoky jam with its intoxicating blend of notes that will attract listeners near & far. Next, “Feels So Good” will hit you with its enriching and lively sound that will spark your senses. It’s time to break out the “Electric Boots” and boogie on down to this sizzling number. Track four, “Dreamer”, displays much depth musically and offers a big, bright melody. “All Come To Look For America” is full of spirit and wonder while “Winding Road” has mass appeal and is musically enticing. Tobin is hitting on some emotional chords on “Always Thought I’d See You Again” that will keep the audience engaged. A peaceful vibe rushes past you on “An Empty Space To Fill In” as a soft ‘n’ sincere tone is detected. Magical moments are captured next and “Seasons Will Pass You By” if you’re not careful, so listen closely. A question you may want to ask yourself now “Is It Tomorrow Or Just the End of Time”? With a bit of intrigue in place and good use of surprise and suspense, Tobin Mueller dares to ask us all “Is It Tomorrow Or Just the End of Time”? A wonderful journey awaits you on “Apollo’s Lyre Reimagined” and you will find a comforting and inviting space on “No Place Like Home”.
‘Fragments’ is a true labor of love for Tobin Mueller as the creative direction is off the charts. Mueller explains that “Fragments of tunes have never left my internal musical imagination. This project is a homage to how music has sustained me.” Allow ‘Fragments’ to consume you and let Tobin Mueller be your musical guide.
By Jimmy Rae