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Birdland Runaround by Tobin Mueller

From the album

Album Title: Prestidigitation
Label: ArtsForge
Released: 2022
Duration: 00:58:00

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About the Album

Combining Birdland (fusion jazz) and Long Distance Runaround (progressive rock) into a seamless medley is a fitting way to begin this high energy album, Prestidigitation". It could be the best "Birdland" cover ever recorded. Mueller displays his immense versatility, overdubbing layers of vintage keys & bass, with his grand piano solo midway through being a highlight (utilizing variations on the YES theme). The drumming by Lamar Moore (Lettuce) is fabulous. Woody Mankowski adds tasty soprano sax phrases, taking up the "Birdland" melody several times. Fusion and progressive rock developed simultaneously, by players who were purposefully overlapping genres. They were on a quest for music innovation and originality. This performance displays the joyous celebration of stamina and talent at the heart of fusion jazz! "Tobin Mueller mixes intricacies and joy to create a marvelously seamless medley! Epic and fun!" - That New Hype "A jazz-fusion tour de force. The combined sense of invention fuses post-bop jazz, progressive rock, blues and funk. Phenomenal synergy!" - Jazziz magazine. "Snatches energy out of the universe and toss it around like a meteor shower! Fusion jazz at its best. It reminds me of the days when Herbie Hancock’s Headhunter album was blowing our minds. It wreaks of that kind of inspiration." Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs.

Tracks

Birdland / Long Distance Runaround; What Is Hip; Watermelon Man; Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin); Contemporary Insanity; Prestidigitation; Sorceress; King Kong; Giant Steps; Superstition; America/Peace Piece

Personnel

Date featured

September 19, 2022

This song appears by permission of the contributing artist and/or record company. It is for personal use only; no other rights are granted or implied.