Audio Review: Topless in Tokyo by Bill Muter

Topless in Tokyo
Bill Muter – Tuba and Multi-Instrumentalist
Claudens Louis – Tenor Sax
Drew Tucker – Vibraphone

Bill Muter has been a musician who has created multiple resources relevant to the brass student. His newest work is an autobiographical album featuring vocals, guitars, tubas, bass trumpets, and more. Simply put, the subtitle could have been “This one time at a gig…”

By taking artistry to a new level, Bill has created a product that includes a track list of 11 original compositions as well as a 100-page book of liner notes. Self-described as a “thriller, historical biographical melodramatic, pop-fiction novel,” Muter has cleverly created a unique product.

The first track, I’m Just a Bill is a spinoff of the popular song from “Schoolhouse Rock” and introduces the listener to the man known as, Bill Muter. Each following track lays out a certain biographical story to Muter’s life. Whether it’s near-death experiences, somehow ending up on a plan with a gig, or running through the streets of Tokyo topless, Muter inputs musical prowess into each track. While some tracks have vocals (sung by Muter), other tracks showcase the multiple tools (such as bass trumpet, trombone, tuba, guitar, and keys) that Muter brings together for a creative product.

The track, Ipaja, is one of the best charts on the album. Not only is the musicality on this track in top form, but the backstory to the track title is even more remarkable. With an African music award named in Muter’s honor, this afro-beat rhythm pays tribute to the people who brought awareness of Muter’s music and writing to the people of Africa. By rounding out the album with Orchestra Stripper (seriously, read the story), Muter shows and tells how to make the most of an incredibly awkward situation as a freelance musician.

All in all, Topless in Tokyo is a fantastic package that combines Muter’s writing abilities and musical mastery into a marvelous product. Muter shows the reader and listener all that is possible with a life in music. Who knows where the next gig will take Bill Muter, but man, we sure would like to find out.

Topless in Tokyo Chapter / Track List:

1. I’m Just a Bill
2. Lemon Gunshots feat. Drew Tucker
3. Otaj an Ayiti feat. Claudens Louis
4. Time Don’t Pass Me By feat. Richard Byrd Wilson
5. Topless in Tokyo
6. Ipaja
7. Lunchbox Shaming
8. Drive by Sit In
9. I’m Just a Bill 2.0
10. Thoughts in a Dream
11. Orchestra Stripper

MATURE CONTENT WARNING: Contains some language, violence, and sexual references

Click here to purchase the album and book

Click here to learn more about the book and album

Learn more about Bill Muter