Lost In The West Village

TobinMueller

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Description

This is the fourth installment in my 2010 collaboration with saxophonist Woody Mankowski. This is the longest track so far, fitting more into the live jazz set length of 8:55. It incorporates a kind of hip hop rhythmic repeating drum groove, keeping the simple Count Basie piano riff concept, but goes off into a little funkier vein. Woody lays down some sax section parts, so we start to build a band sound. (Some of our later tracks have a fuller band.)

The whole thing reminds me of when I'd jam at the old Le Bar Bat on Thursdays when they featured a funk jazz orchestra and often several great players from the area would sit in. They stopped doing that 10 years ago and I stopped going, so I don't even know if that happens any more. The best nights were when remnants from the Average White Band and Earth, WInd & Fire would play. After funk Thursday shut down, I imaged all these jazz funk players wondering around the Village looking for a place to play every Thursday...

By the way, Woody says I can't turn the sax down any more. So this is as low as it goes...

I took the photo from the top floor of the W Hotel overlooking Union Square. My son used to bellhop there and I could get a room real cheap when I needed to stay over (after moving out of the City to CT).

Hope you enjoy!

Also, please check out the finalized CD on CDBaby: The Muller's Wheel.

Here are all the draft/demo tracks from The Muller's Wheel on MJ:

Seafood Gumbo Bop
Oasis On The Rocks
Saddle Shoe Sally
Lost In The West Village
The Müller's Wheel
Windowshade
Fusion of Minds
Struttin' Up Bourbon
River Runs Through Me
Forrest's Fire

Vocal variations of this series:
Seafood Gumbo w/ AngelaHope

If you haven't heard much of my jazz stuff, please check out all the draft mixes that ended up on the album RAIN BATHER. Maybe start with I Wanna Fly. Woody also plays on most of those songs.

Other songs featuring Woody Mankowski:
Pilgrim of the Return
Final Words
A Promise
Dreams III

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Song Stats

Hits: 1550
Comments: 40
Fans: 37
Plays: 98
Downloads: 75
Votes: 7
Uploaded: Aug 31, 2010 - 03:34:33 PM
Last Updated: Jul 07, 2011 - 09:36:30 AM Last Played: Feb 04, 2013 - 10:54:23 AM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Song Actions

Keywords:

jazz combo (7), quartet (20), quintet (10), TobinMueller (60), Tobin (85), Woody (21), Woody Mankowski (17), sax (96), saxophone (55), jazz (819)

Comments

jiguma	jiguma said 993 days ago (August 31st, 2010)
	I've said it before I don't know much about jazz, but I know what I like - I like this a lot! All sounds great to me Tobin. I think this is really nicely balanced too - Woody is right - can't go any softer. Excellent bass track. Thanks for posting all these Tobin. Best wishes from Oz, Neil Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

TobinMueller	TobinMueller said 992 days ago (September 1st, 2010)
	from Oz Thanks. Love those ears from half way round the world. Woody is happy you agree with his ears. Thanks for keeping checking in as we work our way toward the end of this project. About 3-4 tracks left... Check out my latest song called Frozen Man (by James Taylor)

perceptualvortex

perceptualvortex said 993 days ago (August 31st, 2010)

Extra-swingin'
Woody's playing is as smooth and expert as ever. This might be my favorite so far in this series, with it's more upfront and funkier pulse. For example, at about 2:20 you guys bust out a funk/jazz groove that lands dead center in my sense of musical awesomeness. The piano and bass also amount to a heaping dose of musical candy. Thanks for sharing this great music!

Check out my latest song called Mercury (RPM 6)

TobinMueller

TobinMueller said 992 days ago (September 1st, 2010)

Dead Center
Thanks for the great comment. You made me smile, for sure! I thought people would like this one least, so far. I'm thrilled so many people are enjoying it! Woody's staccato variations at 2:20 are great. The section that follows also has some Leon Russell in it, so maybe that's why you like it. I think my fingers started tripping over each other by the end of the line...

Check out my latest song called Frozen Man (by James Taylor)

sschedra	sschedra said 993 days ago (August 31st, 2010)
	Got here as soon as I could . . . but all the jazz is gone?? Not as long as Tobin and Woody are around! What a great backstory and the music to match. I love this series. Its worth real $$! That's not to suggest that that is the only way to value music, but I would pay for this stuff. Check out my latest song called E Lucevan Le Stelle

TobinMueller	TobinMueller said 992 days ago (September 1st, 2010)
	...would pay for this stuff Cool. Thanks. I have CDs available on CDBaby!! Or you can drop me a note! I can't pass up the chance to share past recordings..! Check out my latest song called Frozen Man (by James Taylor)

PockBluesman

PockBluesman said 993 days ago (August 31st, 2010)

Exception to the rule
Can't say Jazz is what I usually listen to. How ever it's always nice to find an exception. You've struc the right balance were although improvising the instuments are not fighting and there's still some structure to it And certainly enough to grab my attention and say I really enjoyed this piece and a big thanks to upload a piece that challenges me to listen to something outside my normal music.

Check out my latest song called 20 Year Blues

TobinMueller	TobinMueller said 992 days ago (September 1st, 2010)
	Right balance I've never been one to like over-long improvisational sections that don't have some sort of arranged feel. I like composed-through pieces, the sense that there is a forward leaning drive coming from the composer's/arranger's mind. I'm glad you like the balance we found. Thanks. Check out my latest song called Frozen Man (by James Taylor)

Wummimann	Wummimann said 993 days ago (August 31st, 2010)
	... this is simply good... Check out my latest song called Leaving Home

TobinMueller	TobinMueller said 992 days ago (September 1st, 2010)
	... simple thanks... Check out my latest song called Frozen Man (by James Taylor)

tf10music	tf10music said 993 days ago (August 31st, 2010)
	best one yet Everything about this was great. Sax was perfect. The bass sounded awesome, even on laptop speakers. This is fantastic. Check out my latest song called Canto II: A Rough Beast (To Stave Off The Rot)

TobinMueller	TobinMueller said 992 days ago (September 1st, 2010)
	even on laptop speakers Thanks. I think this is the first of this project that sounds full and balanced across all platforms. I still can't quite figure out why, tho. Dumb luck, maybe. Check out my latest song called Frozen Man (by James Taylor)

fasteddie	fasteddie said 992 days ago (August 31st, 2010)
	I concure with the other opinions thus far. This is my favorite of the series as well. The mix is nice and balanced. That slapped bass is to die for. Wow that rips! Everything else is stellar as well. Great job tobin and company! Check out my latest song called A Friend to the End

alackbass	alackbass said 992 days ago (August 31st, 2010)
	Lost In The West Village Downloaded! To good not to have. Check out my latest song called Just Ain't Worth a Song (2 Track)

thetiler	thetiler said 992 days ago (August 31st, 2010)
	Nobody does jazz at macjams like Tobin ! Way to go! Cool stuff ! Check out my latest song called When Your Strange

rok41	rok41 said 992 days ago (August 31st, 2010)
	This is Killer! Some of the best Jazz I have heard on MJ's....Among all of the great instumentation that is on this track including the sax and keys...the bass is stellar...who is the player? Great job by all! Check out my latest song called The Game

dave_b	dave_b said 992 days ago (September 1st, 2010)
	Lost In The West Village My favorite in your series so far. Tight playing, all the players have great chops - the solos blew me away. The mix sounds perfect on this one. Check out my latest song called Llarions Blues

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 991 days ago (September 1st, 2010)
	lost and found another great track to the collection. the multi sax tracks blow my socks off... no pun intended. excellent piano work, of course. that is some great bass playing, some cool slap & poping going on. Check out my latest song called Darkest Skies

Moviz	Moviz said 991 days ago (September 2nd, 2010)
	If this doesn't get you moving, nothing will. Love the unison of brasses with that precision along with the piano bass and drums. Balance is very fine for me and clear as a bell..... oooh! love that funky bass..... wonderful feel to this, regards M Check out my latest song called Shine Your Light

TobinMueller

TobinMueller said 991 days ago (September 2nd, 2010)

Precision sax section
Thanks. Yes, the precision of the sax overdubs blew me away. Its hard enough to do when the players are all looking at each other. But to do it while playing with yourself is a challenge. I love the pop it gives, the harmonic compression and lush feel of those tight simple chords, the precise tonguing. It has been a true joy to work with Woody on this. I'm glad you are appreciating it too.

Check out my latest song called Frozen Man (by James Taylor)

apb	apb said 991 days ago (September 2nd, 2010)
	Excellent .. enjoyed that Tobin .. loved that stuttering sax with the extremely funky bass section that flowed into the more free-flowing jazzy piano. Mix sounded very well balanced and I liked the"openness" kinda bar-roomy verb too - very apt. Check out my latest song called Anyway

Ibstrat	Ibstrat said 990 days ago (September 3rd, 2010)
	Wow this has a great groove.I love it! Everyone is listening and playing right in the pocket- no showing off just fantastic! Check out my latest song called I Could Write a Book

TERRAPLANE	TERRAPLANE said 990 days ago (September 3rd, 2010)
	WOW! Thanks for the enabled D/L ,,music like this for free!!,, PINCH ME! awesome track!Thank you Tobin!,,T Check out my latest song called COME ON IN MY KITCHEN/ w Pockbluesman

stratcat	stratcat said 990 days ago (September 3rd, 2010)
	Love it Great jazz piece guys. Its gotta nice groove, melody. Profesional sounding mix. Like the offbeat at 1:35. Sax is sounding sweet, that boy can blow. Whoever is ticklin those keys is great. Check out my latest song called Telecasters A Go-Go

fambroski	fambroski said 990 days ago (September 3rd, 2010)
	SIMPLY GREAT! Man, this track has elements of a lot of things I really really like. The Crusaders, Tower of Power and Wayne Shorter come to mind. Woody has a very distinct tone for his cycle fourths harmonic structuring. Player's who do that never sound the way Woody does. That's refreshing. Great work. Love to see this band live. Check out my latest song called The Troubadour Flies Again

guitapick	guitapick said 990 days ago (September 3rd, 2010)
	Hip stuff... ...and a cool theme. No need to turn down the sax, man...it's just right, especially with this funky stuff. I can always count on quality sounds coming from your sphere, Tobin. Compliments to all playing on this and the very, very hip arrangement. Check out my latest song called 'Cuz I Can

woofer3	woofer3 said 989 days ago (September 4th, 2010)
	great contemp jazz really enjoyed this - you're all in a class of your own. J Check out my latest song called burning hitler

mike_d	mike_d said 989 days ago (September 4th, 2010)
	Oh yea! I'm always drawn to the funky bass that drives jazz and this is stellar! Listening on my AKG's and this sounds fabulous. I "see" you playing on the right side of the stage (from my perspective), horns are taking center stage. This track really moves. Thanks for allowing downloads-- I definitely got a copy! Check out my latest song called .....

DWL	DWL said 988 days ago (September 5th, 2010)
	As always a quality piece of work. Exceptional writing and playing and the production is wonderfully clear and open. How DO you do that? Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

Leebo	Leebo said 987 days ago (September 5th, 2010)
	Superb Tobin there is nothing I'd love more than to kick back in a bar for an evening listening to your stuff. This is just excellent. Sorry I haven't been around MacJams in a long while - life and other boring distractions are to blame. I've been doing a lot more music recently though. Looking forward to uploading some new stuff and catching up. Check out my latest song called Bang Bang

Einarus

Einarus said 987 days ago (September 6th, 2010)

Head-bobbing & toe-tapping...
...I've got it all going on here!

I love the funkiness of the bass and the drums and the sax is *really* tasty!
And not to mention the piano, who ties it all together perfectly!

I love this kind of stuff and this is definitely one of the finest such tracks I've heard on here in a long time!

Truly excellent stuff!

-Einar S.

Check out my latest song called Rise

egobandit	egobandit said 987 days ago (September 6th, 2010)
	7:28 Love the stabbing horns towards the end I remember Le bar bat sounds like you played in and saw many a good show there! You guys are tight and swinging it. Even when its done it still stays with you great song ! Downloaded thanks! Check out my latest song called walkin out my door

RochaMalhada	RochaMalhada said 986 days ago (September 7th, 2010)
	chorus the chorus on the wind is Fab, bass and keys so articulate poifect, thanks for the D/L . - Harold Check out my latest song called Ascent of a Tree (w Mike_D & FEEL)

davisamerica	davisamerica said 986 days ago (September 7th, 2010)
	ok tobin... i downloaded a few days ago. was going to come back and comment. all i can come up with is "don't touch a thing"...not even the picture (which is killer good) .... see ? that's all i came up with. the sound here is gorgeous and all the players are incredible. amazing. Check out my latest song called 12

richard13	richard13 said 984 days ago (September 9th, 2010)
	As alackbass said to good not to have. This simply cooks. Very nice, thanks. Check out my latest song called Caledonia

Parichayaka

Parichayaka said 984 days ago (September 9th, 2010)

so very cool
Great pacing, mix, timing and a fresh energy that's instantly infectious. I'm not proficient in this genre so I'll stick to complimenting your piano solos and overall flow which at times holds you suspended in space and then puts you right back in the middle of a busy street corner. Love the sax and change of pace around 1:25. Drums are great too, inventive, spot on. I imagined a snare with a higher pitch and some overtones. Feels a bit dry, but of course blends better in a long piece like this one is...
Anyways, thanks for the note. I'd hate to miss a masterpiece like this!

Check out my latest song called Tosh Frenzy

Kicbal

Kicbal said 983 days ago (September 10th, 2010)

AWB indeed
Yeah the sax sections have that sweet, jumpy AWB sound. Personally, I think that jazz tinged funk and rock result in some of the most enjoyable mood lifting music there is. What I appreciate most is the structure that funk and rock provide while still letting the players do their thing. This song is no exception. Standouts are the saxes, piano and the bass. This gives me a David Sanborn vibe too. Nice!

Check out my latest song called Dirt Oasis (rough mix)

Bob6stringer

Bob6stringer said 973 days ago (September 20th, 2010)

Reserve me a table
First, it's really nice to hear all these real instruments playing so cleanly. Second, the beat's alive, great drums and bass. Third, there's not a lot to say, I'm just really enjoying it. The horn section's great, everything moves along nicely. Your intro anecdote about Le Bar Bat reminds me of my longtime habit, "Live at 5" on Thurdays at Andy's, where veteran jazzmen would often tease-out standards for 15 smoking minutes or more.

Check out my latest song called Call Me (Turn to Me Reprise)

eleveneyes	eleveneyes said 946 days ago (October 17th, 2010)
	lost cool tune - I likey lots!!! Check out my latest song called God Whose Giving Knows No Ending

sonnyjim

sonnyjim said 894 days ago (December 7th, 2010)

I love this stuff
Rain Bather is still in constant rotation in my corner of the suburbs... Really digging the way the band makes its presence felt only at times (EW&F indeed!) and a great understated ending. You've got a very rich sound with these, Tobin: lots of warm 'room' atmosphere here, so the whole thing sounds full and round. Just beautiful. Please give me a headsup if you ever gig at Bar Bat again!

SJ

Check out my latest song called A Bell In The Valley

Fan List

Artist Info

Name: Tobin Mueller
Location: Rowayton CT USA

I am a professional musician, composer, playwright and director. I've led a charmed life. I'm married to fellow MJer Suzanne. MJer Twonicus is my son, he currently fronts 3 bands in the NYC area, including "Hoodless." My second son just received his... [see more]

Check out some of my other songs:

Genre Info

More songs in Jazz (instrumental):

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