Middleton - Melodic Improvisation Book/CD

This method book/CD set is about understanding, developing and incorporating the art of melody into Jazz Improvisation. Topics discussed in the book are demonstrated by the author on the CD. This CD, along with the practice materials both in the text and in the play-along section, will give you the opportunity to hear, practice and then play for yourself the principles of melodic improvising. Andy Middleton is a New York City-based saxophonist and composer who has recorded 4 CDs as a leader. His CDs have featured Kenny Wheeler, Dave Holland, Ralph Towner, Renee Rosnes, and Joey Calderazzo, and in addition he had a play-along CD of his original compositions published in the August/September 2000 issue of Jazz Player magazine. He has also performed and/or recorded with Lionel Hampton, Randy Brecker, John Abercrombie, Bob Mintzer, Adam Nussbaum, Maria Schneider, Marc Copland, Victor Lewis, John Hart, Barbara Dennerlein, and Don Sebesky, among others. As a member of the band The Fensters Andy recorded 2 acclaimed CDs. Middleton won the First Prize and Best Soloist Awards at the 13th Europ' Jazz Contest in 1991, and was awarded a prestigious National Endowment for the Arts Performance Grant (USA) in 1996. In the words of master saxophonist, composer and educator David Liebman: "Andy Middleton represents the best of a new generation of jazz musicians."