May 1998

Andy Milne
Forward To Get Back

By Tom Terrell

Unless you've followed alto saxophonist Steve Coleman's M-Base explorations since 1991, the name Andy Milne probably draws a blank. Fact is, Milne's keyboard contributions have been invaluable to his leader's musical realizations. With his first solo date Forward To Get Back, he makes his own prime time bid. Surrounded by a tight crew of abstract swingers-Reggie Washington/Matthew Garrison; electric bass, Mark Prince; drums, Robin Dixon; vocals, Coleman, Ralph Alessi; trumpet-Milne masterfully surfs the aural ocean on waves of funk and swing; splashing drops of Herbie, Geri Allen and his own rippling grooves. From the melodic angularity of "Hemispheres" to the ascending, ethereal fusionistic funk of "Housework," Andy Milne thrills. He's a definite comer.