Miles Mindlin
Author: Andy Robson
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Musicians: |
James Maddren |
Label: |
Fresh Sound New Talent |
Magazine Review Date: |
December/January/2023/2024 |
Media Format: |
CD, DL |
Catalogue Number: |
FSNT-662 |
RecordDate: |
Rec. 12-13 September 2022 |
Mindlin landed the NYJO guitar chair at 18, and he’s already a player seasoned in the company of Jason Rebello and Jamie Cullum, while mentors include Kit Downes and Orlando Le Fleming.
So, it’s no surprise Mindlin hits the floor running with this debut, revealing a confidence that belies his years. Moreover, Mindlin wrote most of the songs, bringing a freshness to the content – no leaning on standards here – and revealing an intensity of composition that promises much for the future. Moreover, Stoneman and Jensen are boyhood and college pals so there’s a built-in intimacy that gives a grace to their ensemble playing. So, no stars parachuted in to pimp up the debut. Well, unless you include Maddren. But such is the drummer’s thoughtful wisdom, acquired over time with the likes of Julian Siegel, there’s nary a sense of him padding out the session.
That said, Maddren is spectacular on the appropriatelyspring heeled ‘April’, where Stoneman delivers an equally blossom rich solo. ‘Brasov’ finds Mindlin and Stoneman entwining rather than ‘accompanying’ each other (Mindling’s not one for complacent comping) while ‘Volto’ is a charmful dance that twists darkly.
One could carp that there’s not a huge variation in tone or dynamics, but this is a young man just stepping out, so it’s probably best that he hasn’t indulged in kaleidoscopic style changes. One to watch; definitely one to listen to.
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