Articles by Robert Middleton
Collin Sherman: A Solitary Visionary in Jazz
by Robert Middleton
Collin Sherman is an outlier in the jazz world. He creates all his own music, plays every instrument, records everything himself, and rarely performs live. His approach is unconventional but deeply compelling, allowing him to produce music that defies easy categorization. In a conversation via Zoom, Sherman opened up about his journey, his creative process and the unique challenges of being a one-man jazz ensemble. I began by asking Sherman how he got started in music. “I started playing jazz ...
Continue ReadingAmanda Gardier: Auteur: Music Inspired by the Films of Wes Anderson
by Robert Middleton
Amanda Gardier's Auteur is not just an album--it is a cinematic experience captured in sound, an exploration of one of America's most singular film directors, Wes Anderson, through the language of modern jazz. The album showcases Gardier's ability to translate visual storytelling into a sonic narrative that is vibrant, eclectic and highly expressive. With Auteur, Gardier has created what is, arguably, one of the most fascinating and inspired jazz albums of 2024 (it was released in January) and ...
Continue ReadingSaxophone Meets Guitar: The Dynamic Duo of Jazz
by Robert Middleton
Imagine a smoky jazz club where the deep, soulful wail of a saxophone weaves effortlessly with the nimble, melodic lines of a guitar. This rare instrumental combination is a hidden gem in the world of jazz that deserves more attention. Jazz is not just a genre--it is a universe with galaxies of swing, bebop, hard bop, and free jazz. But amidst this cosmic diversity, there's a rare constellation that shines especially bright: the saxophone-guitar quartet. Uncommon ...
Continue ReadingCharlie Ballantine and Amanda Gardier: Midwest Jazz Auteurs Move East
by Robert Middleton
Guitarist Charlie Ballantine and saxophonist Amanda Gardier are young, up-and-coming jazz musicians who are a rarity: they are married and perform together. Hailing from the heart of the Midwest in Indianapolis, they both began playing at a young age, influenced by both jazz and popular music. Together, they have recorded several exceptional albums. Since 2014, Ballantine and Gardier have released a total of 12 unique and exciting jazz albums. They include projects as varied as Life is Brief ...
Continue ReadingThe Most Exciting Jazz Albums since 1969: 2020-2023
by Robert Middleton
In the 72 Jazz Thrillers series we've gone from 1969 to 2023, an expansive 54-year journey. From the jazz vanguard of Bitches Brew to the dynamic movie soundtrack of Roy's World, from the sublime guitar of Bill Frisell to the singing guitar of Charlie Ballantine, the thing that all these jazz albums have in common is their amazing listenability, music you can enjoy for years and never get bored. At least I haven't been. Thanks for reading, and I encourage ...
Continue ReadingThe Most Exciting Jazz Albums Since 1969: 2017-2020
by Robert Middleton
As we start to wind down to the 72nd jazz thriller, in our penultimate collection of half a dozen jazz thrillers this week, it becomes clear that brilliant, compelling music comes in all shapes and sizes. From an understated quartet from Germany to an Aaron Parks masterpiece, all of these albums deserve a place in the hallowed halls of great jazz albums. 72 Thrilling Jazz Albums, Part 11: 2017-2020 61 Nubya's 5ive Nubya Garcia
Continue ReadingThe Most Exciting Jazz Albums Since 1969: 2015-2017
by Robert Middleton
This week's thrilling albums are a rather obscure lot; four of them hail from Europe and one from Canada. But like all the thrilling albums that preceded them, they possess that elusive quality that keeps you engaged, offering a new discovery with each subsequent listen, ensuring their staying power and ability to seduce your soul over a lifetime. Masterpieces, all, in this writer's opinion. Who says brilliant jazz is not being made in these turbulent times? 72 Thrilling ...
Continue ReadingThe Most Exciting Jazz Albums Since 1969: 2011-2014
by Robert Middleton
What ties the albums together on our ninth installment of 72 Jazz Thrillers is the depth of emotion. Two joyous albums are followed by troubles, grace, exultation and deep sadness--albums from one of the greatest jazz composers of her age to a ramshackle bar band with a wild sense of humor. 72 Thrilling Jazz Albums, Part 9: 2011-2014 49 Hearts Wide Open Gilad Hekselman Le Chant du Monde 2011 Gilad Hekselman is ...
Continue ReadingThe Most Exciting Jazz Albums since 1969: 2009-2011
by Robert Middleton
The six jazz thrillers for this week are widely diverse--from a big band outlier, a soaring two-sax front line and an expression of the ideas from an esoteric teacher. What they all have in common are their thrilling cohesiveness, gripping rhythms and compelling melodies. 72 Thrilling Jazz Albums, Part 8: 2009-20011 43 Infernal Machines Darcy James Argue New Amsterdam 2009 Thrilling jazz albums are rarely an accident; they emerge from dedicated ...
Continue ReadingThe Most Exciting Jazz albums since 1969: 2006-2009
by Robert Middleton
If there were one word to describe these six thrilling albums, it would be “atmospheric." Each of them settles into its own unique and memorable soundscape. Stylistically, they are all very different, but if you listen closely to them, you'll quickly grasp their musical and emotional messages. They'll transport you to their rarefied worlds with their thrillingly listenable tales. 72 Thrilling Jazz Albums, Part 7: 2006-2009 37 Northern Lights Mike Mainieri NYC Records 2006
Continue Reading
