Edmund Brown & Alexander Kuzmin - In Da Midst
R&B, Smooth Jazz
Alabama, U.S.
Overall Impression: Superbly performed and oozing with style, Edmund Brown’s “In Da Midst” strolls in with the kind of self-assured cool that doesn’t need to shout to command attention—it simply knows who it is. A silk-swept smooth jazz instrumental that favours feel over flash, it’s a tantalizing display in restraint, balance, and melodic conversation. In this world, groove is king, tone is currency, and every instrument has something meaningful to say. From the opening bars, “In Da Midst” makes it clear it’s not here to dazzle you with acrobatics or busy technical displays—it’s here to speak, and it does so with the quiet confidence of a seasoned storyteller. The track unfolds like a conversation, each instrumental voice stepping forward with purpose and poise. Brown and his ensemble strike a delicate, rarely achieved balance: enough virtuosity to dazzle if they chose to, but the wisdom to let the notes breathe, to let the silence speak as loudly as the melodies. It’s that balance—between precision and feel, between improvisation and intentionality—that gives the piece its sense of weight and dynamism.
Strongest Point(s): I think it's safe to say that the performances are what help make this track special. Take the sultry call-and-response between piano and saxophone for instance—a dialogue so naturally expressive it borders on flirtation. The saxophone croons in long, expressive phrases, full of breath and soul, while the piano responds in melodically adventurous flourishes. Then there’s the guitar which cooks up a cavalcade of tasteful lead lines that are steeped in both feel and tone. It never overstays its welcome, but always adding something essential to the mood. There’s a sense that every note was chosen, not because it could be played, but because it should be. These elements are involved in a musical back-and-forth that never feels forced—more like old friends trading knowing glances and memories in sound. Underpinning it all is a bassline that grooves like it's been marinated in Motown and aged in vintage soul. Rich and warm, the bass doesn’t just anchor the harmony—it moves the entire track, its phrasing fluid and full of intent, whilst the drums lay down a relaxed, almost effortless groove, pocket-deep and tastefully minimal, giving the song its relaxed pulse without ever overcrowding the mix.
Target Audience Appeal: "In Da Midst" is an engaging smooth Jazz instrumental and I can see fans of the genre appreciating what it has to offer.
Artist target suggestions: robomoque, John H. Smith, Matty Mel Jr, Jordan Love, Tim Bowman, Brian Culbertson, Chris Strandring, Earl Klugh, Boney James, Norman Brown
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About the Reviewer:
Andre is a freelance session guitarist, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar as well as teaching it, helping students learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and become proficient in home recording.