Middleton is an individual who manages simultaneously to think, feel, produce, teach, question, evolve, search and to be aware of it when he finds the thing that he has been searching for. While listening to Andy one realizes how jazz can reach a universal level as an art form, without getting lost in dull relationships with popular and traditional music. And something else too – the necessity of the soprano… Unbelievable tone and mastery!
“Andy Middleton himself is in a class of his own. It is a must to hear, see and experience how he constructs, searches and propels his solos. I was reminded the whole time of a Wayne Shorter concert – the same energy, uncompromising playing and searching and bringing to light of the deepest and best in oneself.”
The spirit with which Middleton treats his horn immediately touches and captivates one. Every single note comes out of his innermost being, and the whole body of the agile, athletic musician is involved in the formation of sound.
Andy Middleton and Kálmán Oláh, duo concert on May 22, 2015 in Hungary. ”Two artists of quite great stature “chatted” with each other in such a way that they found answers even to the smallest stirrings of the other. It was intimate and idyllic, but at the same time modern, virtuosic and full of musicality. Playing duo is a very labor-intensive task. To the pianist it attaches the greater burden and he has to work properly for the sound. “Kálcsi” (Kálmán), a musician of great caliber, is really a world-class pianist. Andy Middleton I heard now for the first time, and, unfortunately, I didn’t know his playing before. During the first number, the Brubeck standard “In your own sweet way”, I first tasted the sound of the duo, then I tried to classify Andy, to discover whose style and sound his playing most resembles, but I just failed in this mental game, because he is such an individual, unique in his playing. It was modern saxophone playing, virtuosic, but profound at the same time. Andy feels the stirrings of the soul as well as Kálcsi that this was a great meeting today.
With jazz one can experiment (easily) wonderfully. Buer: the breath-taking performance of the quartet “The Fensters”. There’s jazz that you listen to, enjoy and that was that. Then there are bands like the “The Fensters”, whom you also listen to, but alongside the unique enjoyment there’s a whole waiting for you. For example, the realization that one can experiment really (easily) wonderfully. That jazz forms lend themselves to creating an unorthodox music, which challenges the intellect of the listener without taxing him. The qualities of the American-Canadian quartet “The Fensters” are obviously the predilection for such things. The titles of the compositions of “The Fensters”, which are almost exclusively originals, are just as unusual as the band’s name. And the music that this quartet celebrated at “466 Musix” on Hagenaustrasse at the invitation of “GEjazzt” is full of vibrancy. Both of the saxophonists, Francois Théberge and Andy Middleton, dug themselves in deep on tenors and sopranos propelled by the excellently driving and seething accompaniment of drummer Alan Jones and double bassist Paul Imm. The horn players communicated with each other via swing and bop only to jump into their own resourceful paths both full of twists and turns and still rich in melodic flow. What also distinguishes the music of “The Fensters” is the puckish humor. A piece from Duke Ellington’s “Perfume Suite” found itself receiving a somewhat trash-swing but in no way disrespectful look back at the legendary jazz composer. And should saxophone colossus Sonny Rollins ever hear the unbelievably fast and precise version of his tune “The Bridge”, which “The Fensters” pulled out for an encore, it very well may take his breath away as it did the audience that night.
Saxophonist Andy Middleton convinced with elegance and a beautiful tone in pieces between balladesque gentleness and cheeky rock.
Some musicians live under the radar. One of those would be American saxophone player Andy Middleton. He was sideman with greats such as Lionel Hampton, Bob Mintzer, Maria Schneider and Kenny Wheeler, but there’s a chance you never heard of him, since he rarely ever played in Holland, even though he has lived in Europe (Vienna) quite a while. Last time (he played in Holland) had been a couple of years ago, in small jazz clubs. Also this time he came to play at a small club for one gig. The club is unknown – equally unknown as Andy Middleton – that the big industrial “Groote Club” on “de Dam” in Amsterdam, right in front of “de Bijenkorf” is organizing a jazz concert on the last Monday of each month. Luckily, the “Groote Club” has plenty of members to fill the cozy homey room for what could be called a quite exceptional concert. It also was exciting to see how it was going to turn out since most of the musicians had not played with each other before, or even seen each other since only five minutes before showtime. Pianist Rob Van Bavel must have had some sweaty hands reading through the complex originals by Middleton and Prins, compositions that he received through email the day before and that covered half the repertoire of the performance. However it’s worth mentioning that it was a spotless performance for the audience. It’s understandable the first set was more searching, and the second set was much more loose. Andy Middleton is a sax player of full sound and broad tone who plays improvisations deeply rooted in the tradition without sacrificing melodic freedom.
“With a title resonating like an environmental manifesto and enthusiastic liner notes, based on a remarkable balance between classicism and modernism magnificently and warmly interpreted by a quintet, trio and solo under the fatherly and affectionate look of Richie Beirach, there is no doubt that this record has a great future ahead of it. And it deserves it because you will not find any concessions. Obviously one can see good education (Dave Liebman, Richie Beirach, Steve Coleman, Dave Holland, Kenny Wheeler). Yes I know it is not fashionable to give in to labels … but here is a good jazz record.”
“… an accomplished composer as well as a smart post-bop tenor saxophonist.”
“A saxophonist with patient poise on the slow ones and fierce resolve on the fast ones.”
This is the third album as a leader by American (resident in Vienna) saxophonist / composer Andy Middleton recorded with a superb team of musicians including legendary American guitarist / pianist / composer Ralph Towner, no less legendary British bassist Dave Holland and American (resident in US) drummer Alan Jones. Three guest musicians play on selected tracks. The album presents nine tracks, five of which are original compositions by Middleton, one is his arrangement of two traditional melodies, and three are original compositions by Towner.
The music is modern Jazz with some World Music influences, stunningly performed by these world-class musicians. The superb compositions by Middleton and Towner, full of deeply melodic and highly aesthetic contents, allow individual members to solo extensively and produce a harmonious ensemble sound all around. The Word Music influences create an ambience of mystique and the album offers a truly wonderful musical journey.
For Towner and Holland followers, this album, probably unknown to most, is certainly worth seeking out, as it presents them both at their absolute best. Of course Middleton also plays wonderfully here and the album is still absolutely fresh, even though it was recorded over two decades ago.
On a personal note; I met Andy in person a few years ago and we have had opportunity to meet regularly since during an annual event, which in time developed into a friendship. It took me a while to get hold of this album, which is not an easy task, but apparently not an impossible one – so get hold of a copy as long as it is possible!
“Andy Middleton is a modern jazz saxophonist who has warm and original tones on tenor and soprano. Although the music may be relaxed, plenty of sparks fly from Middleton’s tenor (which sometimes hints a little at Joe Lovano or Michael Brecker) and his fluent soprano.”
“Middleton shows signs of being more than “just any” improviser. Middleton … writes in a broadly euphonious harmonic language, with a natural tunefulness that engages the ear with exotic airs, but never strays too far from home.”
“Middleton is absent from the jazz press for some strange reason, and yet he is as good and often better than any of the usual suspects. Deeply lyrical in a way that cannot be dismissed as pretty.”
“Saxophonist Middleton has assembled a truly stellar band for his third Intuition release. Guitarist and pianist Ralph Towner and bassist Dave Holland pretty much define the soundscapes in which Middleton’s compositions unfold – and why not? Their sense of interplay would be ample inspiration for any improviser – and Middleton shows signs of being more than “just any” improviser. Drummer Alan Jones rounds out the core group, which is augmented by the acute percussionist Jamie Haddad on three tracks, two of which also feature Noah Bless on trombone. Middleton finds compositional inspiration in his travels: Afghan caravans, Muslim prayer calls, the Canadian Rockies and Tolkien’s mythical Lothlorien are among the starting points for Middleton, who writes in a broadly euphonious harmonic language, with a natural tunefulness that engages the ear with exotic airs, but never strays too far from home.”
“Tenor and soprano saxophonist Andy Middleton’s third disc as a leader is a mixed bag of middle-eastern melodies, jazz-rock fusion (played with acoustic instruments), and pieces that fit comfortably in the modern mainstream of jazz. The unifying element in all of this music is the exemplary musicianship of Middleton and his core band of guitarist and pianist Ralph Towner, bassist Dave Holland, the drums of Alan Jones, with percussion and trombone added on some tracks. They find creative ways of playing the wide variety of material, thereby giving the disc a feeling of wholeness. Middleton’s moody composition, “Loyalsock,” begins with an ethereal guitar introduction by Towner, leaving room for Holland’s comments and Jones’ shifting accents, which imply rather than explicitly state a pulse. Middleton’s ripe tone on tenor becomes somewhat raspy as his solo progresses, and on this and his other turns, he favors a deliberate development of ideas and interaction with the others. “Lothlorien,” named for a mountain in the Canadian Rockies, is a reflective ballad that becomes more insistent without shattering the mood. Middleton’s tenor mixes strength and sensitivity, and Jones offers a thrashing, polyrhythmic solo over a vamp and continues in this vein during the restatement of the theme. Towner’s “Raffish,” one of three of his compositions on the recording, starts with sinister-sounding insistent guitar chords, which evolve into two bright, funky themes. The band improvises collectively and then Middleton unleashes his most impassioned playing on the disc, racing through the changes without dominating, and leaving space for the commentary of Towner, Holland, and Jones.”
“Whenever Ralph Towner or Dave Holland play on a recording, you can bet that something more profound than just jazz is going to happen. Their music exudes a spirituality that transcends a value beyond that of mere entertainment. I’m sure that saxophonist Andy Middleton is honored to have them carry that tradition into this, his debut project with Intuition, “Nomad’s Notebook”. This CD is reminiscent of Towner’s 1975 album “Solstice” in that the sparse format is for the most part identical (soprano and tenor saxophone, classical and 12-string guitar, bass and drums), but also in that Middleton, like Jan Garbarek, has a talent to really emote on reeds by caressing individual notes rather than laying down a smokescreen with sheets of sound. Middleton’s compositional skill is also on par with Towner. I was certain that “Mount Rundle”, “Lizbet” and “Loyalsock” were Towner compositions until I read the credits indicating otherwise. In places, Middleton’s melodic lines feature the trademark doubling of guitar and sax so associated with Oregon. On “Kasbah Tadla” and “Songs of Struggle and Songs of Love” Middleton doubles a harmonic and modal motif with trombone to create a mystical and Middle Eastern dreamscape. Towner, as always, is brilliant on guitar, playing somewhere in the netherworlds between classical, jazz, Brazilian and ethnic musics. Towner contributes three of his own compostions to this CD including “I’ll Remember August” where he puts his guitar aside for piano, and which is uptempo postbop similar to his other tune “The Glide”. The only problem with “Nomad’s Notebook” is that it has established a standard of incredible excellence for Middleton which will be hard to top in the future.”
“Throughout the album, Nomad’s Notebook, one can tell that this tenor and soprano saxophonist has put all of his heart in this venture with Dave Holland (humbly magistral, once again), Ralph Towner (guitar and piano), Alan Jones (drums) and other guests. There is nothing revolutionary here, but there is a constant relevance in the intent and in the composition (due to the leader, who was responsible for most of the compositions and arrangements). Superb sound of saxophones, mellow, evident and full. A subtle choice of harmonies and associations of tones, notably saxophone with guitar (the partnership of Middleton and Towner actively contributes to the success of the album), and again with the luminous alchemy between trombone and soprano saxophone. Beyond the influence of Wayne Shorter, Andy Middleton develops a truly personal approach, like that of Ralph Towner, freeing up modes and models, opening the work to the vibrations of the planet (easternism, traditional Afghan revisted) and igniting, along side his partners, a fertile interaction.”
“The young jazz musician Andy Middleton attracts attention for his CD with celebrities? Not necessary – the US saxophone player plays so uniquely that Nomad‚s Notebook gets interesting just because of him. With Ralph Towner (guitar) and Dave Holland (bass) he chose the best partners to fit into his quiet, more chamber music style. Middleton forces the audience to listen closely but the effort is quite worthwhile.”
“Andy Middleton‚s solo CD Nomad‚s Notebook is named that way for a good reason. The tenor and soprano sax player goes on a musical journey. With pieces like “Kasbah Tadla”‚ and “Songs of Struggle and Songs of Love”‚ he processes middle-eastern influences. His fellow-travellers on this album are Ralph Towner on guitar and Dave Holland on upright bass, highly reputable artists in the world of jazz. Middleton’s compositions make a balanced and meditative impression on the listener. Also very good is Ralph Towner’s creation, “Raffish”, one of the highlights of this altogether convincing album.”
“Andy Middleton, 37 year old New York saxophonist, may have been a very promising name for a small circle of contemporary jazz enthusiasts. This could rapidly change with his third album Nomad’s Notebook, featuring Dave Holland (bass) and Oregon-mastermind Ralph Towner (guitar, piano). On nine pieces the musicians professionally blend traditional melodies and clearly contemporary soundscapes into a refreshingly unique style. This is a dense, atmospheric music with lyrical accents that sets a high value on moods, and has enough space to develop the different sounds. Here is a natural jazz musician of the latest generation on the way to his deserved success.”
”I realized a dream,” reveals Andy Middleton in the credits of his latest release, Nomad’s Notebook. The 37 year saxophonist from Harrisburg, PA, succeeded in interesting Ralph Towner and Dave Holland, two stars in the world of jazz, in his project. Quality music with the presence of old masters. Nomad’s Notebook is thoughtfully composed and arranged. It is rich, balanced, and played on a high professional level.”
“His own tone! Randy Brecker thinks Middleton is “One of the strongest tenor and soprano saxophone players on the scene.” He ought to know – his brother is one of the saxophone superstars himself. Indeed, Middleton found his own tone on the basis of a solid traditional technique. Nevertheless, he’s always surprising with contemporary soundscapes, as you can hear on his latest release Nomad’s Notebook. He is supported by Ralph Towner (guitar) and Dave Holland (bass).”
“Jazz, as carefully produced romantic chamber music. Andy Middleton has fulfilled a dream, collaborating with his idols Dave Holland on bass and Ralph Towner on guitar. Wonderful compositions, lyrical improvisations and relaxed atmospheres.”
“On Nomads Notebook‚ (Intuition), Andy Middleton hits a quiet tone. Joined with Dave Holland (bass) and Ralph Towner (guitar, piano), he weaves filigree jazz miniatures.”
“Fans of saxophonist Andy Middleton (one of the few vices to which I’ll readily admit) will recall the work he has done in Europe with the Fensters, a quartet which offered up playful yet intelligent contemporary acoustic jazz. What more can be said of a group that performs tunes like “Giant Elephant’s Head” and “Lions, Tigers and Bears” (which features a hysterical a capella refrain)? Nomad’s Notebook finds Middleton in more serious company, joined by Oregon founder Ralph Towner on guitar and piano, and Dave Holland on bass, as well as a fellow Fenster, drummer Alan Jones. The change in personnel has a dramatic effect on Middleton’s compositions: previously recorded works like “Mount Rundle” take on a more ethereal tone, heightened by Towner’s soaring piano work, and the caresses of Holland’s bass lines. It is clear the Middleton is comfortable playing with these well-established names: his sax playing is refined and sensitive, yet it never subsumes itself to the welcome guests. This is a polished, mature album, one that points the way to Middleton’s acceptance as a major composer and instrumentalist.”
“‘Between Worlds’ is a remarkable album. Not because the musician paints somewhere outside the lines, but precisely because of the ease with which he, using familiar ingredients, is able to deliver a fresh album full of simple but never boring jazz songs. Part of the strength of this album lies in the wonderful themes, which are always a delight to the ear. Moreover, they give rise to very inspired solos, both by Middleton himself and by his band members. Each of them are individuals in their own right who have not yet broken through on the European mainland, but with their very American sound they prove that they have mastered the tricks of the trade to perfection.
Middleton himself signs for the most expressive solos, which can soar both high and low, gathering the best of dozens of jazz greats into one style. It’s not as personal as that of a Joe Lovano or a Lee Konitz, but still manages to completely absorb the listener, and that, of course, is the main thing. Pianist Tino Derado manages to break away from the clichés somewhat less well, but his thoughtful playing and underpinning presence do add value. Drummer Alan Jones and bassist Paul Imm are also more than gifted improvisers especially rocks, providing Middleton with solid but not too flabby backing in his amazing solos. Nowhere does the whole thing become prefaced or one-sided, which makes “Between Worlds” more than a pleasant surprise.
As a Belgian, one can be a bit proud of this CD, because compatriot Mischel Bisceglia managed to persuade Middleton to record this album for “his” label Prova Records, which has thus acquired a first international star with this musician. Moreover, Bisceglia encourages Middleton in his social commitment: a number of songs were written to address a social issue and the cover is also a small political statement. Although all this is barely noticeable in the music, it is not a bad thing that musicians want to give something to their audience beyond the notes. All the better if that happens subtly, and totally independent of the artistic end product.”
“Andy Middleton affirms himself not only as a saxophone player but as a first class composer and arranger. Delving into his own inspiration as well as into a tradition that goes back to Ellington via Mingus he combines sounds in a rich and complex fashion while giving his arrangements an efficacity and listenability accessible to the uninitiated. This mix of harmonic sophistication and melodic fluidity is only one of the assets of this music in which the contributions of the leader and Renee Rosnes, as well as the refined and restrained energy of the rhythm section, reveal more than one wonder. It goes without saying that a musician of such caliber deserves that the public and the critics follow his future evolution and it is understandable that Dave Liebman, coproducer of the recording and author of the liner notes, keeps an attentive and protective eye on this protégé, whose potential he detected at the beginning of the 80’s.”
“Another success, that of the saxophone player Andy Middleton. Except for his recording “Acid Rain” we knew little about him. With the release of “Terra Infirma”, recorded with an excellent band (Renee Rosnes – piano, Paul Imm – bass, Alan Jones – drums, Chris Rogers – trumpet, Steve Kenyon – clarinets, and Pete McGuinness – trombone), and which is a remarkable success, we get a chance to discover Andy Middleton. “Terra Infirma”, whose title resonates with Middleton’s ecological preoccupation, is well worth discovering. It would of course be easier to purchase a recording by an established and famous musician than Andy Middleton’s record, but I can tell you that you will not need to ask for a refund – you will be satisfied. You will spend quality time with this inventive saxophone player whose playing is very self-assured and mature, as well as with his 6 musicians, especially Renee Rosnes.”
This 33 year old saxophone player and composer, a young man whose sound is warm, coherent and spontaneous, is surrounded by the talented Renee Rosnes (p), Paul Imm (b), Alan Jones (d), Chris Rogers (tpt), Steve Kenyon (cl), and Pete McGuinness (tbn). Depending on the themes, he is able to use contrasting moods, giving a certain sophistication to his work. He has a strong will to translate and express sensations. He is therefore a young man to follow, and who seems to want to take his destiny in his own hands.
Andy Middleton, tenor and soprano saxophonist, records his second album. His sound and ideas are more self-assured; his ecological preoccupation has remained the same. This terra infirma is ours. Middleton’s music is that of the whole earth which sings its blues. The themes that succeed each other can be interpreted as an homage to wise men whom we respect, as Andy does – John Coltrane, obviously, Dave Liebman, who was his teacher, and many others, among them the Texas tenors, whose playing make the foundations of houses shake. He does not limit himself to an homage; he also makes his own contribution to jazz. His future is assured; he’s one to watch all the more that he is accompanied by the Canadian pianist Renee Rosnes who answers back on the same level, by Paul Imm on Bass, by Alan Jones on drums, a quartet which is added to for certain pieces by Chris Rogers on trumpet, Steve Kenyon on bass clarinet, and Pete McGuinness on trombone. The sax player is not known; he does not benefit from any advertising, but his energy and above all his way to play with sound to cut the time draws the listener into a very unique universe. He probably has not reached maturity yet, but this does not prevent him from revealing a lot of talent. To listen to him is to adopt him.
Discovered in Belgium in the group The Fensters, Middleton also leads his own group, of which “Terra Infirma” is a convincing testimony. In keeping with his affinity for Rollins/Coltrane (powerful sound, melodic ease without being overly notey), he navigates the somewhat murky waters of neo-bop, which on occasion provide more adventurous moments. The other soloist, who takes on as much importance as the leader, is the pianist Renee Rosnes, ever more self-assured as time goes on. On a few cuts, the quartet is joined by three horn players who play voicings which thicken the texture of the ensemble. The repertoire, written by Middleton, avoids clichés and challenges the listener.
“Serendipitous, how a musician continues to grow. The European Quartet Live presents an Andy Middleton in top form, playing with his superb accompanists through a brilliant set balanced between lyrical melodic serenity and exciting freestyle excursions that is a true joy for a jazz fan. Excellent.”
“The European Quartet Live is an excellent album. The simplicity of that statement matches the music on the recording. What makes all of the numbers stand out is the wonderful work of Middleton, who is virtuosic in his tone, speed and concepts. His stand-mates are nearly as good, but he is the real star.”
“…. his playing is consummate. Middleton’s lines are thoughtful and symmetrical. There’s pattern to his improvisation, and grace, so that following his solos is less likely to occasion surprise than satisfaction. This is a solid outing by four master musicians.”
“There is one soloist who truly stands apart from the rest of the crowd, and that is Andy Middleton.”
“… 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.”
“A musician’s musician, just like it says in books. The American living in Vienna spins fascinating webs of improvisation with long, drawn-out and intense melodies on the tenor saxophone that place him at the top of the international saxophone scene. Great music.”
This is the fourth album as a leader by American (resident in Vienna) saxophonist / composer Andy Middleton recorded with a superb team of musicians including Canadian saxophonist Sheila Cooper, British (of Canadian origin) trumpet Maestro Kenny Wheeler, German trombonist Nils Wogram, Canadian clarinetist Darcy Hepner, American pianist Henry Hey and bassist John Hebert and Canadian drummer Owen Howard. The album presents nine original compositions, all composed by Middleton and a short bass intro to one of the tunes composed by Hebert.
The music is all modern mainstream Jazz, based on the superb compositions by Middleton, which serve as ideal vehicles for the excellent performances by the instrumentalists. The compositions are interesting and coherent, and are all splendidly arranged for the large ensemble, which allows individual members to solo extensively and produce a harmonious ensemble sound all around.
For Wheeler’s followers, this album offers plenty of hair-raising examples of his genius and is therefore a highly recommended addition to every serious British Jazz connoisseur’s collection.
“One of the best things about being a record reviewer is when you come across a CD by someone you’ve never heard of, which turns out to be so enjoyable that it could even qualify for your year’s best list. Thoroughly recommended.”
Middleton is a resourceful player and a skilled writer and arranger for the octet, with a liking for rich, lush harmonies and radiant voicings. It lacks a little bit of devilishness for these ears, but it can’t be faulted when it comes to classy execution and musicianship.
The starting point is not exactly new, but in a time of growing supply in almost all areas of “consumption”, including artistic, this is no surprise. The setting of saxophone – bass – drums, with extensive jazz history, naturally puts the emphasis on the person of the wind player. Andy Middleton, an American living in Austria, has formed an international trio with Slovenian bassist Robert Jukiç and Canadian drummer Owen Howard that is dedicated above all to intensity and compression of expression. Although he is at the center, the bandleader has democratized the music both in terms of sound and in terms of playing and compositional proportions, which adds to the balanced impression. Thus, all three seem to be curious about their pieces and those of their colleagues, expressive parts alternate with lyrical tender moments, one follows spellbound the seemingly familiar paths and finds oneself in surprising landscapes. in intense statement that should be enjoyed live.
