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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