“Blue Side” is a collaborative project between jazz pianist Tobin Mueller and alto saxophonist Tomás Martinez (an “up and coming sensation”). The music runs the jazz gauntlet, from contemporary jazz, blues, be-bop, to modal post-bop. Most compositions are by Mueller, excellent examples of his fluid, stream-of-consciousness Impressionist Modernism compositional style. The recordings also include modern takes on blues, bop, and old-school jazz. The one notable cover is of Gershwin’s “Summertime”, more influenced by Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones than Porgy and Bess.
The interplay between Mueller and Martinez is tight and melodious, as if the two have an extrasensory connection. The recording is intimate, capturing both the saxophonist’s breath and the pianist’s perspective. There is an influence of Romanticism in the compositions, with a blending of Monk and Evans, Debussy and Chopin, melded into a flowing, elegant, unique and very satisfying sound.
Mueller is a veteran composer, lyricist and arranger. He has recorded with Grammy winners Dave Brubeck, Ron Carter, Michael Hedges, Donny McCaslin, Jon Anderson (from Yes), Brian Welch (“Head” from Korn), Bob Lanzetti (founding member of Snarky Puppy), Carl Fischer, Sal Giorgianni, Roy Agee, as well as Grammy nominees Dane Richeson (Blue Note Records), Ken Schaphorst (founding member of Boston-based Jazz Composers Alliance), Janet Planet, Noah Hoffeld (Brad Mehldau) and more. He has collaborated with Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Fame guitarist Paul Nelson, as well. This diversity coheres within Mueller’s distinct style.