Tobin Mueller toured the Caribbean Islands early 2019. One of the more energetic pieces he performed was from his solo piano album “13 Masks” (2007), an inventive album exploring the juxtaposition of 20th Century music and its jazz influences. “Two Peas in a Chili Pod” is an original Latin piece infused with the style reminiscent of Thelonious Monk.
The video features photos taken by Tobin Mueller of the Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles.
“13 Masks is full of musical surprises, Mueller interweaves jazz and 20th century classical and blends them through the ‘chaos of his subconsciousness.’ Mueller’s stories, told through the medium of solo piano, are often whimsical and fun, but this is no lightweight piece of entertainment. The music is complex and often challenging, but is not so esoteric to be intimidating. I found it fascinating the first time through, and enjoy it more each time I hear it. The cover artwork, also done by Mueller, depicts the thirteen masks of the title. Of those masks, Mueller explains: “More than masks that hide the truth, these are meant to be interior faces of the subconscious that whisper, leer and assert themselves in ways known and unknown.” Tobin Mueller has created a conceptual work of art with “13 Masks.” A powerful and amazing album. Not everyone will appreciate it, but if you enjoy a truly unique album with music to really sink your teeth into, give this a try. Recommended”
– Kathy Parsons, Mainly Piano
https://www.tobinmueller.com/13masks/
https://www.tobinmueller.com/interpretivejazzpiano/