Tobin Mueller has done it again, crafting an intimate ballad that floats and infiltrates like a dream. Simple yet inventive, it creates a moving narrative of care and hope, sure to touch every mother, father, grandparent and those who seek comfort in this world.
Aaron Paul’s gorgeous tenor accentuates the elegance of this lullaby. Composer Mueller plays electric and acoustic pianos.
“Dreams (or, Awake to Me)” is from Mueller’s newest release “WONDER”, a 28-track 2-volume progressive rock tour de force that cycles between poetic songs and epic instrumentals, providing the listener an imaginative journey. Volume 1 is progressive rock at its finest, with jazz and rock opera influences. Volume 2 focus more on fusion pop ballads, but is full of surprise intensity as well. Neo-Prog meets Neo-Classical. A mind-bending, breathtaking array of music.
“Dreams” has been covered by several singers through the years. Originally composed for Mueller’s 1996 Off Broadway musical “Creature”, it was later repurposed for “Runners In A Dream” (Appel/Mueller). (Aaron Paul played the character Amichai in “Runners In A Dream”.) Emily Rohm’s version appears on the “Frankenspell Superstar” soundtrack. Woody Mankowsky’s jazz version appears on “If I Could Live Long Enough”. But this version may be the most moving, due to Paul’s soaring vocals.
“WONDER balances raw power and haunting beauty in both its music and lyrics.” – Kathy Parson
“A masterpiece in the Epic Prog tradition.” – Progressive Magazine
“A symphonic whirlwind of prog passion! Led by the massive keyboards of Tobin Mueller, the dense harmonies of vocalist Anton, contributions from the likes of Scott Rockenfield (drums/Queensrÿche) and Bob Piper (guitars/Pleiades), ‘WONDER’ is a true combination of energy and poetry. The album flows from idea to idea like birds winging from tree to tree. Other tracks include appearances by music giants Grammy winner Michael Hedges, Japanese guitar legend Tadashi Togawa, Rob Thurman (Navigator), Darren Chapman (Out of the Blue), Aaron Paul, Steve Stone, Mystified, Emily Rohm, Audiocracy, Shadow of Nine. I predict you will return to this album time and time again.”- Brian Gerhart
Produced by Kenny Cash, Factory Underground Studio.
See the below links for more information, liner notes, lyrics, streaming links, etc.
https://www.tobinmueller.com/wonder/
https://tobinmueller.hearnow.com/wonder
https://www.tobinmueller.com/interpretivejazzpiano/
https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/tobinmueller25
https://open.spotify.com/album/7vXdpaxArWcGxYMc0Sit3q