Combining outstanding players in a variety of settings, RAIN BATHER captures fabulous performances on this extra long play CD. A breadth of styles find play within these totally hip arrangements of Tobin Mueller's innovative compositions.

Many of these tunes are jazz renditions of songs from Tobin's Broadway show Creature (based on Frankenstein). The instensity of storytelling remains active in the arrangements, as well as the singable lyricism of each intertwining melody. These recordings transcend the original songs, however, living and breathing as completely unique jazz performances. As Dr. Frankenstein would say, this music breathes... is truly alive!

There are so many great moments on this 80 minute extended play CD, but a shout out has to go to Woody Mankowski's astounding soprano sax solo in Cliff's Edge, his multi-sax layering in Windowshade; the retro-acid tripping flute solos of Sal Giorgianni especially in Seven Buttons On A Nehru Jacket; and the old school clarinet stylings of Bill Barner in Secret Of Life and Last Song On Vaudeville. Carl Fischer's trumpet solos in Acid Hopping absolutely groove, employing a whole collection of mutes and plungers. Martyn Kember-Smith's celtic fiddle provides a perfect change of pace in Caught In The Current. (Several of these players also appear on Tobin's solo album A BIT OF LIGHT.)

Although most of the album is hard-driving and up tempo, two mellow ballads include breathtaking sax solos: River Runs Through Me (Woody Mankowski on soprano) and Waltzing Night Into Day (Doug Schneider on tenor). The interplay between piano and organ in Must Go Back also deserves a special mention. Through it all, Dane Richeson's percussion permeates and exults; his years studying everywhere from Paris to the Sudan come into play. The drum solo in Finding No Path is particularly stellar.

This ensemble never treads water, never back pedals. Everything is full forward. A truly entertaining and inventive collection of tunes. This is music with a fresh spin, played by a band that communicates, that creates musical conversations (not just stand-alone solos). Listeners of the following artists will love it: Brecker Brothers, Ed Palermo Big Band (especially renditions of Frank Zappa's stuff), The Muffins, Stockholm Jazz Orchestra, Chic Corea, Herbie Hancock, John Schofield, and Medeski Martin & Wood.

RAIN BATHER is available on CDBaby and will soon be available on iTunes and several online outlets.

A follow-up CD has been released, The Muller's Wheel. See it's project page for details.

THE ENSEMBLE: (see below for players per track)

Tobin Mueller - B3 organ, electric piano, composer
Chris Mueller - acoustic piano
Jeff Cox - acoustic bass
Dane Richeson - drums & percussion
Woody Mankowski - soprano saxophone
Tom Washatka - tenor saxophone
Doug Schneider - tenor sax
Ken Schaphorst - flugelhorn
Bob Levy - trumpet
Sal Giorgianni - flute
Bill Barner - clarinet, additional sax
McBoy - electric guitars

RAIN BATHER track list (80 minutes running time)

I Wanna Fly (2:20)*
Cliff’s Edge (7:34)*
Must Go Back (6:46)*
Lightning Strikes (3:49)*
Caught In The Current (4:43)*
Windowshade (8:23)
Secret of Life (4:47)*
Seven Buttons On A Nehru Jacket (4:43)
Waltzing Night Into Day (7:48)*
Acid Hopping (6:24)
Finding No Path (8:37)*
River Runs Through Me (6:57)
Last Song On Vaudeville (5:48)

All songs by Tobin Mueller.
*Arranged by Chris Mueller. ©2008 Tobin Mueller.

Click here to listen to premastered tracks of Rain Bather on ReverbNation.

Although it is the current rage to purchase music as downloads, the packaging of this CD is particularly pleasing. The disc resembles an old 45 record, complete with vinyl and grooves. The fade-to-scratches on the final track (mimicking a 78 RPM) aids this illusion. Worth purchasing just to be able to hold in your hands.

This is joyous music. It reminds us of the happiness we relive when returning to our musical roots. Mueller/Mankowski remind us how the personalities of certain eras continue to assert their influence and power.

"The Muller’s Wheel" title is based on the biological concept that mutation and DNA recombination creates cycles of growth and loss. It serves as a metaphor for the ebb and flow of the synthesis and creativity Mueller and Mankowski apply to their musical influences. The tracks are arranged in historical sequence, and the listener appreciates the cross-pollination between each of these genres. Listening from beginning to end creates a cyclical pilgrimage. It's rhythms and inventive flights of fancy invite the listener along for many return trips.

Click here to learn more about the recording.

• The Muller's Wheel on iTunes
• The Muller's Wheel on CDBaby