MacJams.com - Song: Under A Western Sky by TobinMueller

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Under A Western Sky
by TobinMueller

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Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Guest profile visits: 3044
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Song comments: 56
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Plays: 799
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Downloads: 208
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Submitted on: Jun 22, 2005 - 11:55:32 AM
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Keywords jazz (408), new age (98), classical (387), neo-classical (25), piano (622), solo piano (18), instrumental (442), Morning Whispers (7), keyboard (51), keyboards (34), Ivory (10), Copland (3), Chopin (2), cowboy (23), neoclassical (7), tobin (68)

Description As I travel to the Venice of Texas (San Antonio), I thought it appropriate to share this song, my final solo piano piece from my Morning Whispers commissioned project. It is in 4 parts, with the first section introducing delicate Coplin-esque cowboy moments; the second section giving way to more Chopin-esque falling runs at sunset; and the third section is a light jazz variation/improvisation of the left hand melody from section 2. The final section is a recapitulation of the first section with a flourish; since it is the final song of the cycle, I wanted a big finish. There are classical piano overtones and structures throughout, but the overall content is indeed more new age solo piano, especially the first section, and the third section is clearly jazz influenced, so I have re-placed it in New Age category.

This is the final track of my CD "Morning Whispers" - available through Simig Media, iTunes and CDBaby.

Lyrics You may need to run up the volume, since I didn't want to distort the track with too much compression.

Hardware Roland a90 88 key keyboard
G4

Software: Ivory Grand Piano module from Synthogy
GB 2

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	Mcboy said 1260 days ago
	oh oh... i hear bells....no not sipp n at bells....angelic bells.....bell tones....harmonic bells......bells that toll the sound of inner feelings and magical graces......just gorgeous!

	TobinMueller said 1259 days ago
	oh oh... Bells like stars. That's what I was going for, the magic of the Big Sky, of the star-net all around you, bright enough to read by. With air as clear as bells and no city lights to dampen the eye's reach. Stars inside and out, ringing like spirits. I knew you'd know.

	MidiOrleans said 1260 days ago
	Delightful n' Dandy Thanks for this delightful piece Tobin. Here it sounds clear & colorful and the volume is just dandy. Bravo! scotty MidiOrleans

Tom Atwood said 1260 days ago

Another level of musicianship
You have many voices, Tobin, but this is the one I
personally enjoy the most. This is my favorite piece on the
CD, except for "Just Above the Ground," which as you
know is one of my favorite solo piano pieces, period.

This work has that 'healing' Mueller quality. A depth and
beauty that is calming and restorative. And all those bells
McBoy was talking about, too.

10's

	stevel said 1259 days ago
	Marvellous playing Really lovely piano playing here...you obviously have total command of the keyboard. My only criticism would be that the piano sounds slightly synthetic to my ear...I guess because it is a sample sound? The compostion and playing are really great though!

	Jim Bouchard said 1259 days ago
	Excellence! I do think it is more classical sounding, and so I think the classification is appropriate. But you really need your a genre of your own called something like Awe-Inspiring. There's some really great passages in this, to put it mildly. Thank you so much for sharing your music here!

Cameron said 1259 days ago

intricate and lovely
Masterful piano playing on this track, Tobin!

The Ivory module is very convincing, nearly real. Your
great touch on the keys maximizes its capabilities fully.

This piece is very episodic, containing many interesting
rhythms and melodic content. It flows extremely well from
one idea to the next. For this reason, this piece could also
easily fit in the New Age genre.

I particularly like the combination of running eighth notes
combined with the "bell-like" tones. Nice juxaposition,
and wonderful composition.

As far as I am concerned, you are right up there with
David Arkenstone, Suzanne Chiani, Paul Halley and other
notable new age piano artists. I wish you every success
with your Morning Whispers commissioned project!

	alley-oop said 1259 days ago
	This just warms my soul. tickles my soul. vibrates my soul. soothes my soul Now I feel goooooood.

	Peter Greenstone said 1259 days ago
	Magnificent Wonderful, Tobin. I love how it changes and builds. It takes me to so many sublime places.

	_nderscore said 1259 days ago
	texas tickle incredible playing & composition, really enjoyable. thank you for describing the sections-it helped me give it a better listen

	Z293 said 1259 days ago
	Simply Beautiful I'm always amazed at how just a piano alone can produce such sounds and carry a song without any accompaniment.

	Mr. S said 1259 days ago
	..... good solid piece. had me a little bored at times, but it was well constructed.

	illuminati said 1259 days ago
	Very pretty and controlled piece. It does evoke imagery like all the best piano music!

thetiler said 1259 days ago

Just terrific TM
Just great to see the perfect picture fit with the perfect
music.
Your piano playing is very moving. Incredible use of those
rolling arpeggios! A brilliant recording of the piano, sure
sounds like a real grand piano. Love your use of the soft
jazzy slow articulations towards the middle. Then the
running of a stream sound with the higher keys.
I love how you seem to always pick the right picture for
your music too. I find that is about as important to me as
the music. I would of never thought that before I joined
MJ.

Like the strong build up towards the end . . .

Mystified said 1259 days ago

Such simplicity...
...and yet such complexity. Your playing is marvelous, yet
it is where these compositions soar and even 'settle' that
always amazes me.
The song art, in a way portrays it, for as i listen, I can
imagine winging among the silver-laced clouds, yet it is
from the serene vantage point of the shore that I watch
the warm and golden light in the distance.
Thank you for a beautiful aural journey, Tobin.

	Anonymous said 1259 days ago
	GOOD! you must use comp and gate to more better!

	legato said 1258 days ago
	Breathless... Tobin, your arrangments are always so refreshing so full of positive energy, wonderful and most of all moving. I love the sound of the Ivory Grand Piano module it has very good tone to it. Very warm and very expressive. I think I'll have a look at it. Downloaded and fav! Legato

	said 1258 days ago
	Obssession with "Way Out West" So many "Old West" songs at MacJams lately. That is well and good. I like the builds and thinning that go on within the four part collective. Very luxurious section just before the halfway point. There's sustained power/life throughout both the quiet and loud passages. Thanks for sharing.

said 1258 days ago

I feel...
... like I was there through the whole process. As a matter
of fact, I heard every piece as you either finished, or were
putting them through the final stages. I have yet to hear
them all together. Thanks for letting me listen to the AIFF
files of a few, which is the way to hear them, as mp3's
really don't "tell the aural story". I would like to engage
every track, in their proper order, from a CD. Such power
and emotion throughout. The ivories have been touched.

	Swanny said 1256 days ago
	Sure enjoy listening to you play ! Another beautiful voyage through the keys Tobin ! Never get tired of listenin to you play ! Thank you for sharing your talent.

	Mr. S said 1255 days ago
	wow! You reawlly amaze me on the keys. Super-talent here Mr. S

	Suzanne said 1254 days ago
	...love... there is one thing i hear more in your music above all else: love. you are able to communicate it with such certainty, such preciousness. just let me keep listening....

mulletsrock said 1254 days ago

Superb
The complexity you weave with such skill, the passion you
display with such ease, the gentle nature you unfold with
such polish, and the sense of joy you capture with such
honesty is always pure pleasure. Few composers are able to
display the layers of musicality, complexity and emotional
depth, and here you do it with a single piano. A professional,
indeed. A grand finish, to be sure. Bravo.

	mandolinquent said 1253 days ago
	No wonder your hands hurt! This is a wonderful piece of writing all through, but I particularly like the first Copland-esque theme and the way it provides a springboard for the ending. That's really special.

	Anonymous said 1252 days ago
	Middle me like Hard to distinguish anything in the beginning...but in the middle there is a halting melodic section that is sweet..I think I'd feature that...it has more body... WM

	Anonymous said 1252 days ago
	relaxing This is very smooth..especially like the middle parts...more dramatic, more melodic... Vidid PS- there's a competiton over at Broadjam called '6 pack"...you'd be perfect for it...

	Drew Kopr said 1251 days ago
	wonderful I sure enjoyed listening. Your melodic sense is outstanding.

	MiMi said 1251 days ago
	Fantastic Inventive playing, best piano composition I've heard here! It starts off like those composers that revel in repetition but then it takes off in a flight of inventiveness that leaves those type of composers in the dust. Great playing and composing!

	stellarblue said 1245 days ago
	Very clean This was beauteous!!...can't get over the clean recording either..('I'm still learning).....great separation....love the build at the end... Stellarblue

	mocheeks said 1244 days ago
	absolutely lovely and tranquil...

	K.I.S.KISMET said 1237 days ago
	Masterful and lovely Pro delivery of an uplifting arrangement that creates a blissful, undulating mood. What a journey!

	jug88 said 1190 days ago
	Exquisite! I like your "lady of the lake" song and I hope to hear more of that tandem shortly. But I came across this one and its very nice indeed with nice "pick me ups" and then some well placaed "slow downs" along the way - very expresive. Nice work!

	MisterFrap said 1162 days ago
	Wonderful Yes, Tobin, I can see the stars all around me... Thank you for posting here your wonderful music.

	krtaylo said 1121 days ago
	Wow This is one of the most inspiring piano pieces i've ever heard. Aside from the obvious comment that your playing is very sensitive and moving, I really like the way the piece builds from the light arpeggios to the stronger middle. The Ivory software is my favorite and you've got it sounding as good as ever. Awesome!

	Jon Swerens said 1072 days ago
	Good eats at the chuckwagon When I grow up, I want to play cowboy music like this. (Yes, I hear the Coplin influence! I love that guy!) This is such a gorgeous piece and arrangement. Once again, very, very well done.

	Isak Sherwood said 1042 days ago
	Aaron Copland Aaron Copland, I hear it. Cascade Mountains high.

	said 644 days ago
	Wonderfully Beautiful --the gentle improv in the middle (the third part) is stunningly beautiful to my ears....

	slumbering said 635 days ago
	It's like a musical painting It's so pretty, and also very soothing. You play beautifully and so expressively.

	said 529 days ago
	Beautiful This is an amazing song. I absolutely love it.

	steck said 483 days ago
	WOW Truly inspirational, Graham

	Doug Somers said 432 days ago
	A favourite from when I downloaded it last year. A truly inspired composition and performance! Thanks, Doug

Artist Profile

TobinMueller

Artist Bio I am a professional musician, composer, playwright and director. I lead a charmed life. I'm married to fellow MJer Suzanne and MJer Twonicus is my son. See my Spotlight Interview - Tobin Mueller: Talking With Myself in the Macjams Music Blog. You can ...[more]

Artist Music

Finding No Path

Last Song On Vaudeville (early mix) w/ bbarner

Vortigern's Fortress (EKNM)

Dare To Sing (AUDIOCRACY w/ Tadashi Togawa)

In The Great Dream (Robin Hood)

One Less Child (Robin Hood)

Lay Your Burdens Down (Robin Hood)

Hail To The Sheriff (Robin Hood)

Out Of The Forest (Robin Hood)

Too Many Years (Robin Hood)

Happy Birthday World

Seven Buttons On A Nehru Jacket (w/ Mcboy)

Sitcom Psychedelica (Woodstock after-party)

Puzzle City (AUDIOCRACY)

Emerald Path

Chromatisome Swing (tribute to Oscar Peterson)

Eruption of Previous Life

Caught In The Current (v2) - feat. BBarner & Komrade K

You Can't Touch Me (LSP)

I Wanna Fly (v2)

Lightning Strikes (v2 w/ more organ)

Lightning Strikes (v1)

Bring On The Storm

Hold On (w/ Komrade K)

Door In My Heart (v2)

Be My Love

Walls (Analogapalooza - from Robin Hood)

Sweet Liberty (Analogapalooza - Statue of Liberty dedication)

Pose For You (Analogapalooza - w/ Jessica Flood)

You Make My Heart Skip A Beat

We Are The Ones

Can't Complain (w/ Komrade K)

Speak Truth To Power (w/ twon, Darren Chapmen, Audiocracy)

When The Future Comes (w/ Twon, Alimar, Audiocracy)

To McBoy: 2 Peas in a Chili Pod

A Monk Caught in the Thelonious Sphere

Before There Were Gods

Chaos of the Subconscious

The Gumshoe Wears A Rag

Crazy Story (vers. 2 w/ Thoddi)

What I Was Thinking While You Were Talking (w/ Ziti, Mungo)

I Have Dreamed In Another

I Am Yours (Last Embrace Behind The Wall) w/ Mystified

Caught In The Current (w/ BBarner and Komrade K)

My Heart Still Beats (w/ Thoddi, etc.)

Icarus II (w/ Texasfeel)

House of Cards (...When I Sing)

Dreams III (featuring Woody Mankowski)

Lady of the Lake (w/ Mystified)

Tobin's Sampler

Revolution's Son (v2, w/ dchapman, twon, Alimar, Audiocracy)

When You Left

Revolution's Son (w/ twonicus)

Under A Western Sky

I Sail On (arr: Troy)

A Promise (w/ Woody Mankowski)

Let Me Play (w/ McBoy and BBarner)

I Sail On

Turn The Key

The Waitress (version 2)

What Thou Lovest Well (w/ Packo)

The Waitress

Morning Whispers

River Runs Through Me

Escaping The Fray Zone

Just Above The Ground

Final Words

Pilgrim of the Return

Secret of Life (w/ bbarner)

At Her Window

If I Could Live Long Enough (w/ IVANJS)

Windowshade

Save the Planet

Can't Complain

Dreams II (w/ Emily Rohm)

Borate Zone: Please Eat

Was There Once A Time

Forge A New Life - Part 2

Forge A New Life - Part I

	TobinMueller said 1259 days ago
	Delightful n' Dandy Thanks. I think the MJ interface must boost the volume a tad, since my mp3s all sound softer before I upload them then when they play thru the song page. It gets louder toward the end, too.

	TobinMueller said 1259 days ago
	Another level of musicianship Thank you so much for identifying a healing quality to my music. I strive for that on many levels. When I was in college, I listened to Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring hundreds of times trying to understand the healing yet thrilling quality he was able to achieve. I used it as a launching pad for this work. I appreciate your studied and warm comments.

	TobinMueller said 1259 days ago
	Marvellous playing I've gone back and listened to many recordings of piano and decided this sounds really great in comparison. Of course, it cannot compare to live piano. There a a few moments when the sound sort of warbles, but I pretend its just an old recording. Suzanne says that's when the notes cry. So maybe its just an overly emotional plugin.

	TobinMueller said 1259 days ago
	Excellence! Thanks for you kind comments. I do try really hard to uplift with my music, even when it is melancholy. I smiled very widely at your new category suggestion - and it, in turn, was a great uplift to me. What a great place this is.

	TobinMueller said 1259 days ago
	intricate and lovely Thank you for including me with some truly brilliant cross-genre composers and arrangers. I love pulling from many sources, synthesizing past and feelings. Your comments warmed me as much as the San Antonio sun!

	TobinMueller said 1259 days ago
	This just Thanks. Just the right reaction. Makes it right on this end, as well.

	TobinMueller said 1174 days ago
	Simply Beautiful ..."carry a song without any accompaniment"... Tell that to my left hand! Actually, I am often thinking in terms of three voices when playing (the bass line, the middle accompaniment, and the melody (even tho the melody does move around my fingers and hands occasionally). But I know what you mean. Still, I wish I could play acoustic guitar like Michael Hedges did.

	TobinMueller said 1058 days ago
	Such simplicity... I liked that someone found this piece after listening to our Lady of the Lake collaboration. How are you coming on the others we have in the queue? I am looking forward to them!

	TobinMueller said 1118 days ago
	Fantastic Thanks, Mimi. That is one of the things I was consciously going for; thanks for noticing and enjoying it. I try and do that on several occasions in my collection, Morning Whispers.

	TobinMueller said 1118 days ago
	Wonderful Perfect! Thanks for mentioning the stars!

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	TobinMueller said 1058 days ago
	Wow Thanks. I love to put pieces thru variations and alternative melodies, changing styles as my mind goes into different emotional places. Thanks for being willing to come along the trail with me.

	TobinMueller said 1058 days ago
	Good eats at the chuckwagon When I was in college, I listened to Appalachian Spring a thousand times. That and The Rites of Spring (Stravinsky) and Close To The Edge (Yes) were the epics I studied, all 3 leaving lasting impressions. I am grateful to have the chance to pay homage to Aaron Copland. His music has brought me great joy.

	TobinMueller said 644 days ago
	Middle cadenza Thanks, that is my favorite part. I need to do more of that sort of letting go. Like a cadenza, it captures something special. Thanks for mentioning it.