CD: Lifetracks

Lifetracks is the debut solo album from the endlessly inventive Tom Middleton. Almost a decade in the making, the album draws inspiration from Eno, Debussy and The Orb, but equally Tom's native Cornish landscape and the liberating experiences of travel. Emotional, melodic and inspirational, this is indeed a soundtrack for living.

Over the last 15 years Tom Middleton has earned an enviable reputation as a producer, composer, DJ, compiler and one of the most original minds to emerge from the dance revolution of the early 90s. His work as one half of the groundbreaking electronica groups Global Communication & Jedi Knights, as well as his in demand DJ sets are the stuff of legend among fans of electronic music as well as his fellow artists. This album is his most ambitious project to date.

Tom describes this very personal project by saying: "Eno, Vangelis and Tomita are big inspirations, but you'll pick up references to romantic impressionist and soundtrack composers; Ravel, Debussy, Satie, Vaughn Williams and Steve Reich to Ennio Morricone, John Barry, Thomas Newman, John Williams and Craig Armstrong for example. In the same breath I'd name check the likes of electronica producers The Boards Of Canada, early Aphex, Black Dog, Zero 7, Air, Massive Attack and The Orb. Additionally the music is fused with the melody and emotion of Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, U2, The Police and Prince. Classical, Electronica, Jazz and Pop, all clues to my musical personality and those apparent subconscious influences.