Blue Side Vols. 1 & 2 helps solidify the unique voice of veteran composer Tobin Mueller, as well as the emerging talent of Tomás Martinez, a young alto saxophonist who should be watched closely. The combination of the two has produced an astounding collection, notable for its breadth of emotions, beauty and innovative sound. Critics have heralded 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 tracks “Yin Yang” and “Dénouement” are excellent examples, but perhaps best is “Phases of the Moon” in which Martinez plays the alto across the entire range of the instrument, from lowest note to altissimo.
Breathtaking. Others have associated Mueller with “instrumental storytelling,” a nod to his stream-of-consciouness melodies and arranging prowess, resulting in emotive narratives. “Fallout Shelter,” with its chilling sirens and howling moments, surrounded by passages that suggests both alarm and resilience, is a case in point. Blue Side Vols. 1 & 2 runs the jazz gauntlet, from contemporary jazz, blues, bee-bop, post-bop, with a little chill thrown in. Most are intimate duets, scaled down arrangements (which is a departure from Mueller’s recent albums), including a gorgeous rendition of Gershwin’s “Summertime” and numerous tunes that demonstrate the breadth of Mueller’s writing, such as the heartfelt and evocative “The Shape of Love” and the cinematic, soaring “Just Above the Ground,” featuring a gorgeous saxophone contribution from Martinez. 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.
Personnel: 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.
