Record Reviews

ANDY MIDDLETON ~ BETWEEN WORLDS PROVA 14 (Barcode: 9008798037513) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2010 This is an album by American (resident in Austria) saxophonist / composer Andy MiddletonFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with German pianist Tino DeradoFind albums by this artist, American (resident in Germany) bassist Paul ImmFind albums by this artist and American drummer Alan JonesFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, all of which are original compositions by the leader. The album’s title refers to Middleton’s move to Vienna and the period of transition between countries, people, cultures, etc. that all emigrants, and Artists in particular, go through in their lives, when making a leap, although as far as I know this was a move “in the right direction” for him, with Vienna becoming his new happy habitat. We are Friends since some years, and he always felt way more a European than an American to me, also on the musical plateau. The music is beautifully melodic, and the classic quartet setting is an ideal environment to express the lyricism of the compositions and allow the leader to improvise extensively, which he does with passion. All the members of the quartet are seasoned musicians, which is immediately apparent, and the music offers a marvelous flow, despite some complex time signatures and non-trivial harmonics. This is modern Jazz at its best and to me it sound way more European than what I can hear from across the pond. Overall, this is a wonderful album, in a classic Jazz quartet setting with excellent compositions and superb musicianship, so what else can one ask for? Well, perhaps it’s high time for some new recordings from you, my Friend!

Updated: 03/02/2025Posted: 03/02/2025

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ANDY MIDDLETON ~ WATER AND SKY PROVA 38 (Barcode: 9008798674466) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2024 This is an album by American (resident in Vienna) saxophonist / composer Andy MiddletonFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with German pianist Tino DeradoFind albums by this artist, American (resident in Germany) bassist Paul ImmFind albums by this artist and American drummer Alan JonesFind albums by this artist. The same lineup recorded also the album “Between WorldsFind albums with this title” in 2008, shortly after Middleton moved to Europe, and this album, recorded in 2012, remained unreleased for twelve years, finally seeing the light of day in 2024. It presents eight tracks, all composed by Middleton. The music is all modern mainstream oriented Jazz, masterly performed by the quartet members. Middleton writes beautiful melodies, especially ballads, which are ideal vehicles for the musicians to improvise and play soli, and the album moves gently forward, offering a relaxed ride, which is a joyful experience. These seasoned musicians always know how to squeeze out the maximal result from a recording session. Despite the seemingly nonchalant approach, the music is far from trivial and offers a plentitude of sophisticated chord changes, complex rhythmic patterns and interlays between the quartet members, which the more experienced Jazz connoisseurs should enjoy immensely. Overall, it is a great modern Classic mainstream Jazz quartet album, with sublime tunes and perfect performances, which are obviously worthy of being heard, and fully justify the decision to release this session, saving it from oblivion. Side Note: I received a copy of this album from Andy – who is an old and dear Friend – a few days ago during his concerts in Israel, and Alan is still playing with him! It was great to see you both!

Updated: 27/12/2025Posted: 27/12/2025

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