Middle Blue - Weird Funk in Small Bars (Live) (2020)

Welcome to the first live album from Middle Blue. With the pandemic keeping everyone away from their loved ones, we thought it appropriate to go with a "Middle Blue and Friends" theme. Along for the ride are four musicians we've been honored to collaborate with onstage: clarinetist Ben Goldberg, saxophonist Claire Daly, keyboardist Jamie Saft, and drummer Mike Clark.

Each song has a different lineup and feel. “Ben Goldberg’s Sound of Greenpoint” is a group improv that veers toward indie-rock. With a tuba and three horns, this version of “Leany Lean” approaches New Orleans brass band territory. With Jamie Saft on keys, we had to let “Melvyn” roam. And we close with “Thank You, Mike Clark,” a raw improvisation we had the honor of creating with our hero.

If the energy on the first two tracks feels especially palpable, there's a reason. Those songs were recorded at our home base, Troost. Before the pandemic slowed things down, we had a monthly gig there going back to 2015. This album is dedicated to John Ortiz and Troost.

You're listening to Middle Blue at its purest: making up songs, jamming for long stretches, inviting others to join in. Music is a gift.

Tracklisting:
01. Middle Blue, Ben Goldberg - Ben Goldberg's Sound of Greenpoint (Live) (12:25)
02. Middle Blue, Claire Daly - Leany Lean (Live) (17:09)
03. Middle Blue, Jamie Saft, Mike Clark - Melvyn (Live) (13:31)
04. Middle Blue, Mike Clark - Thank You, Mike Clark (Live) (10:41)