Andy Middleton Quartet, Tino Derado and Alan Jones

The Andy Middleton Quartet performs original compositions that combine world music influences with hard-swinging New York-style acoustic jazz. Each composition takes the listener on a melodic journey through a landscape of deep harmonic colors and vibrant rhythms. The rhythm section of world-calibre players is grounded in the groove, yet provides the interplay and spontaneity that is the springboard for each member's impassioned solos.

Since his 2008 CD Between Worlds (Prova Records) Middleton has turned in his most mature work to date with his latest recording Water and Sky (Panorama Records, 2023), an intelligently realized and beautiful lament to the world’s threatened ecology. Dedicated to the Climate Crisis, the CD is a continuation of an environmental theme that has been omnipresent from his very first CD, Acid Rain. The result is a profoundly moving and heartfelt collection of originals which mixes world influences with American jazz, appropriately reflecting the vibrations of the planet.

Andy Middleton is one of the very top-tier saxophonists and jazz composers living in Europe today. “One of the strongest tenor and soprano saxophonists on the scene,” says Randy Brecker, 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, which sounds contemporary and fresh while retaining a real sense of the saxophone lineage. His compositions, harmonically modern and melodic yet clearly 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, Joey Calderazzo, John Abercrombie, Steve Rodby, Scott Colley and Adam Nussbaum.

“Andy Middleton represents the best of a new generation of jazz musicians.” - David Liebman

Tino Derado: Professor at the HfMH and at the Jazz Institute Berlin. He lived in New York City for 14 years and was an active member of the local jazz scene there. His portfolio includes collaborations with Jamey Haddad, Gary Burton, Peter Erskine, Richard Bona, Andy Gonzalez and many more. He is one of the most versatile and competent pianists living in Germany.

Alan Jones has performed extensively throughout Europe and North America with Charlie Mariano, David Liebman, Jim Pepper, Bennie Wallace, Don Thompson, Glen Moore, Kenny Wheeler, Mose Allison, and David Friesen among others. He has recorded with Dave Holland, Ralph Towner, Jim Pepper, David Friesen, Renee Rosnes, Wayne Darling, Airto Moriera, and The Alan Jones Sextet (produced by Gino Vannelli). Mr. Jones studied jazz at the Berklee School of Music as well as the Banff Centre for Fine Arts, and currently resides in Portland, Oregon. Alan composes soundtracks for film, dance and theater as well as writing for his own Jazz ensemble “The Alan Jones Sextet”. He is very much in demand as a clinician and private instructor while continuing an active world-wide recording and touring schedule.

Program and cast

Andy Middleton: tenor, soprano saxophone
Tino Derado: piano
Tomáš Baroš: bass
Alan Jones: drums