Blow By Blow

Originally released on Epic Records in 1975, Blow by Blow features a tremendous supporting cast.

Middleton’s tasteful use of the Fender Rhodes, clavinet, and analogue synthesizers leaves a soulful imprint. Drummer Richard Bailey is in equal measure supportive and propulsive as he deftly combines elements of jazz and funk with contemporary mixed meters. Much of the album’s success is also attributable to the excellent material, which includes Middleton’s two originals and two collaborations with Beck, a clever arrangement of Lennon and McCartney’s She’s a Woman, and two originals by Stevie Wonder. George Martin’s ingenious production and string arrangements rival his greatest work.

Beck’s versatile soloing and diverse tones are clearly the album’s focus, and he proves to be an adept rhythm player. Blow by Blow is balanced by open-ended jamming and crisp ensemble interaction as it sidesteps the bombast that sank much of the jazz-rock fusion of the period.