Andy Middleton is a skilled improviser and composer whose breadth of expression ranges from fierce power to tender warmth, from lyrical beauty to rhythmic drive, sounding contemporary and fresh while retaining an authentic sense of the saxophone lineage…. His compositions, harmonically modern and melodic yet rooted in the jazz tradition, provide the perfect setting. This unique voice as a player arranger and composer has led jazz icons such as Ralph Towner, Kenny Wheeler and David Holland to collaborate with him. He has also performed and recorded with a long list of artists including Billy Hart, Maria Schneider, Richie Beirach, Renee Rosnes, Randy Brecker, Bob Mintzer, Bill Evans, Lionel Hampton, Marc Copland, Ron McClure, Joey Calderazzo, John Abercrombie, Steve Rodby, Scott Colley, Adam Nussbaum, John Hollenbeck, Piotr Wylezoł, Piotr Wojtasik, , Alan Jones, Dominik Wania and Fritz Pauer. Born in Harrisburg, PA, Andy received his BA in jazz saxophone and MA in composition at the University of Miami.
After nearly 20 years in the New York jazz scene, he relocated to Vienna, Austria in 2006, where he is Professor of Jazz Composition, Jazz Arrangement and Jazz Saxophone at the University for Music and Art of the City of Vienna.
…solos that demonstrate the absolute mastery of his saxophones, in emotional and technical terms. Every note hits the mark, but also reveals the notable feature of leadership, that nothing is done halfway.
