This Way up! Rob Mullins

• 1 Take Five 04:08
• 2 Wednesday 05:32
• 3 Work Song 03:37
• 4 Mrs. Robinson drinks Tequila 04:39
• 5 Tiptoe 04:33
• 6 Chameleon 05:20
• 7 Little Sunflower 04:48
• 8 Ooh La! La! 03:23
• 9 Ain't No Sunshine 04:08
• 10 Island Girls 04:08
• 11 Freedom 02:23
• 12 Come Together 04:32
• Total Runtime 51:11

Info for This Way up!

“I knew going in it was going to be a rocky road and a hard life in many ways, but I’m not unhappy about my choices. I just keep going, always looking ahead, and only looking back to the fond memories, good times, and my songs many of which have stood the test of time. What I am most happy about after all these years is that I still find life interesting and full of wonder. Having the opportunity to share music, food, ideas, and stories while getting paid to go all over the world is a blast! This album is party music for older fans and coming generations who may be just discovering me for the very first time. This was a magic day in the studio and I’m happy every time I hear the result.” (Rob Mullins)

Looking “Up” to many more magical musical endeavors, the keyboardist taps into cliché proof phrasing all veteran artists whose career has survived decades of ups and downs should aspire to: “40 Years. 40 Albums. No Regrets.” (Jonathan Widran, jwvibe.com)

Rob Mullins

Rob Mullins
(jazz piano) has built his musical reputation around the world with a solid string of releases in the contemporary jazz field over the past twenty years. His rise to international acclaim as a composer and performer began with his "Soulscape" project, which earned him a Grammy Nomination for composition. Since that time, Rob has gone on to record 20 CD's of his music, three of which went Billboard Top Ten. Starting out on drums at age 11, Rob became a touring professional with a California Big Band by age 12, doing his 6th grade homework on a tour bus. A car crash at 14 (he was a pedestrian) forced a musical switch to the piano. During this time Rob also mastered the saxophone, bass, percussion, and guitar. At 16, Rob began composing, arranging, and formed his first band. After attending the University of Northern Colorado on a percussion scholarship, Rob studied theory and composition from George Russell in New York on a National Endowment for the Arts Grant. The release of his "Soulscape" project brought him back to California where he is now an in demand composer, arranger, producer and session musician.

As a live performer, Rob’s credits read like a who’s who of the jazz and pop scene. He has performed with Hubert Laws, Ronnie Laws, Bruce Willis, Brandy, Hoyt Axton, The Crusaders, Dianne Reeves, Dianne Schuur, Dave Grusin, Edgar Winter, Eddie Money, Billy Preston, Ricky Lawson, Harvey Mason, Eric Marienthal, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Brian Bromberg, Frank Gambale, Denver Symphony, Bunny Brunel, Greg Vail, Jimmy Roberts, The China Club All Stars, Patrick Swayze, James Woods, James Moody, Spike Robinson, Ollie Woodson, Paul Jackson Jr., The Meeting, Dwight Sills, Alphonso Johnson, Ndugu Chancler, Jon Gibson, Steve Ferrone, and others. Some of the venues Rob has appeared in include the Blue Note Clubs around the world, Planethollywood locations around the world, the NAMM Show, Ronnie Scott’s, Brad Pitt/Jennifer Anniston Wedding, The House of Blues, Anaheim Convention Center, Playboy Jazz Festival, Hanoi Opera House, Colorado University, The World Trade Center, Village Vanguard, Jazz Bakery, Manchester Craftsmen Guild, Humphrey’s, Lodi Arts Commission, Sculler’s, Disneyland, and BB King’s Blues Club in Universal City.

As a composer, Rob has penned over 400 songs. Top Radio Hits by Rob Mullins include "Making Love", "Schroeder Meets Basie", "Red Shoes", "Morning Rain", "Jazz Jazz", "Breakthrough", "Illusions", "Here In My Heart" (Eric Marienthal-artist), "Last Day Of Summer" (Eric Marienthal-artist). "Tonight's the Night" (Ronnie Laws-artist), Mr. Felder" (Wilton Felder-artist), "No Secrets", "One Night In Houston", "Memory Lane", "When Love Gets Deeper" (with Brenda Russell), "Dance For the New World", "Midnite Rendesvous" (with Gerald McCauley), "Hero" (with Brian Bromberg), "Nadine", "Samba", "Before You Go", "Human" (with Sarah Ingraham), "She's Tool Cool", "Newport Attitude", "Mirille", "Escher's Etude", "Prime Time", "Island Girls", and "Tears For America."

As a studio keyboardist and midi programmer, Rob’s work can be heard on television each week on “The Proud Family” (Disney), “Soulfood” (Showtime) “Moesha” (UPN), “King of Queens” (CBS), Sister Sister” (WB), “Cousin Skeeter” (Nickelodeon), and “The Parkers” (UPN). Music from his large catalog of published songs can be heard on General Hospital, The Emmys, CBS News This Morning, NFL Sports, Extra! The Entertainment Magazine, E! True Hollywood Story, and Talk Soup.

As a music teacher, Rob began his teaching career at age 14 teaching music theory to older musicians in Denver, CO at Logan Music Center and has taught many star performers throughout his lifetime including Phillip Bailey (lead singer for Earth, Wind, and Fire), Neil Doughty (keyboardist for REO Speedwagon), Jim Ridl (pianist for jazz guitarist Pat Martino). Wayne Rodriguez (Producer of Natasha Bedingfield). Olivia Olson (actress and singer of "All I Want For Christmas Is You"-Working Title Films), Amber Stevens (star on GREEK-ABC Family Channel series), Sarah Ingraham (winner of 2007 LA Music Awards-Best New Age Artist), Jonathan Blake (winner 2008 OC Music Awards), Sophia Melon (Disney), and Mams Taylor (LA Rapper). Rob's committment to musical excellence is the cornerstone of his teaching programs which are held in his Los Angeles studios. He is known for his humorous class presentation at workshops which he has done in Moscow, Los Angeles, New York, Santa Fe, Fullerton, Salt Lake City and other cities. .

As an event host, Rob has hosted the annual Jazz Concert for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America for which he received a Congressional Award for Public Service.

As a book author, Rob has written four books about jazz piano including "Jazz Piano Voicings-an essential guide for aspiring musicians" (Hal Leonard Pub. 2004), "Blues Step by Step", "Jazz Piano Etudes-The Major Keys", and "Let's Play Jazz" (all Rob Mullins Publishing) which are bestsellers online for students and teachers alike.

Current projects in 2009 include the promotion of his 17th album STORYTELLER which is garnering major attention at Amazon and on iTunes. STORYTELLER is new music created by Rob based on his past successful recordings and his desire to share his past years experience with listeners around the world. Rob's summer tour with the STORYTELLER band completed in July 2008 and he is now in the recording studio producing 3 new projects and writing his fifth book about piano playing. For more info please visit the planetmullins website.

This album contains no booklet.