Blue Side is a collaborative project between pianist Tobin Mueller and saxophonist Tomás Martinez. The music runs the jazz gauntlet, from contemporary jazz, blues, bee-bop, post-bop, with a little Chill/New Age thrown in. All but two compositions are by Mueller. (They also cover George Gershwin's "Summertime" and W. C. Handy's "St. Louis Blues"). The recordings are mostly duets, saxophone and piano, but Mueller also contributes standup bass and organ on a few tracks. Martinez plays both tenor and alto saxophones. Percussion is added by hand percussionist Ruben de Ruiter and drummer Shahar Haziza.
Mueller first encountered Martinez when he was looking for a saxophonist for his previous project, Fragments. At that time, Martinez was living in Buenos Aires, Aregntina. Upon the release of Fragments in January 2025, Martinez moved to New York City, becoming Mueller's neighbor. So they decided to record an entire album together, featuring Martinez. While in NYC, Tomás has also recorded an album of originals and covers at Rudy Van Gelder Studios with Michael Weiss, David Wong and Kenny Washington.
Tomás Martinez
Blue Side is produced by Kenny Cash, who has also produced such albums as Prestidigitation, Standard Deviations, Müller's Wheel, Come In Funky, as well as the Best of Tobin Mueller, Cash is well aware of Mueller's extensive repertoire. Most of these tunes were originally recorded by Mueller as solo piano pieces. The addition of saxophone, and in some cases bass and percussion, has change the character of many of the compositions. The result is yet another unique addition to Mueller's catalog.
“
One of the most diverse and talented jazz composers today. Contemporary jazz at its finest."
Download
