Interpretations, Vol. 2 is a collection of twelve solo piano tracks and one piano duet written by a variety of composers and "interpreted" by Tobin Mueller. Six of the tracks are new recordings, and the other seven are works that were remastered from some of Tobin's many previous albums. Most of Tobin's arrangements for this album have a jazz vibe, but the music originally came from a very diverse group of composers that includes JS Bach, Maurice Ravel, Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans, Frederic Chopin, Chick Corea, Pat Metheney and Lyle Mays. Tobin is obviously an artist who doesn't see or hear music in terms of genre or style - something I have always appreciated about him. Volume 1 in this two-volume set has more tracks that are based on classical pieces and is also a very mixed treasure trove of musical goodies. It is well-worth mentioning that there are YouTube videos for many of the pieces from both volumes.

Interpretations, Vol. 2 begins with JS Bach's "Two-Part Invention No. 13 in A Minor," one of three re-mastered tracks from Tobin's 2015 album, Flow. His arrangement is actually pretty close to the original except that he plays it with a swing rhythm! "River God at Play" is based on "Jeux d'eau" by Maurice Ravel and first appeared on the 2014 album, Impressions of Water and Light. The video for this piece is fascinating with visuals that suit the music perfectly. "Nefertiti" is a duet for two pianos and is one of the new recordings. Wayne Shorter composed the piece which was recorded first by Miles Davis' Second Great Quintet in 1968. Keith Jarrett's "Bop-Be" is also a new recording. The lively rhythm and extensive improvisation keep it constantly changing and evolving. "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella" from Midwinter Born (2013) was one of my favorites from that album and works beautifully on this one, too. "Secret Love" by Sammy Fain is a well-known standard that was included on both Tobin's 2018 Standard Deviations and Best of Tobin Mueller, Vol. 5: Chill (2023). Slow and soulful, Tobin really reaches into the emotional depths of the song. "Fantasy on Bach's Prelude No. 3 in C# Minor" also comes from Flow and maintains the Baroque spirit of the original infused with a jazzy attitude. "Waltz For Debby" was written by Bill Evans in honor of his niece and is another of the new recordings for this album. Light and on the dreamy side, it's a great arrangement! "Fantasy on Chopin's Berceuse in D-flat Major, Op. 27" originally appeared on Of Two Minds (2016) and although Tobin adds many of his own improvisational touches to the piece, it is recognizable throughout - a favorite. "Ballad For Anna" by Chick Corea, is another new recording and is a meaningful tribute to Corea. "September Fifteenth" by Pat Metheney and Lyle Mays is also new and is dedicated to Bill Evans, who left us too soon on September 15, 1980. Several themes are interwoven in this piece, resulting in an intriguing "song without words." The last of the new recordings is "On Green Dolphin Street," a jazz classic. Tobin's arrangement was inspired by the music of Herbie Hancock and contains elements of grace, soulfulness and virtuosity. The closing piece is actually a "bonus track" and is JS Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," which also came from Flow. Bach is often depicted as stern and even ill-tempered, but I really think this arrangement might make him smile! It's a great close to an excellent and very original album!

Interpretations, Vol. 2 can be streamed or downloaded from Amazon, and is also available from many streaming platforms including Pandora and Spotify. Recommended for the more musically adventurous!