The Golden Mean is an original jazz instrumental composed by Anthony D'Alessandro, a Toronto-based pianist, composer, and bandleader. The tune is one of five original compositions on his 2024 debut album Searchin', self-released in April of that year. The composition takes its name and concept from the philosophical idea of the Golden Mean, the desirable balance between excess and deficiency, which D'Alessandro translated into a distinctive rhythmic approach. He intentionally crafted the groove to blend straight-eighth and swung feels, beginning with a straight-eighth boogaloo-esque pulse reminiscent of 1930s and 1940s boogie-woogie before transitioning into a full triplet swing during the piano solo. D'Alessandro described this hybrid approach as combining the best of both worlds, setting the tune apart through its evolving rhythmic character rather than adhering to a single groove throughout. The recording features Benny Benack III on trumpet alongside D'Alessandro's ensemble. The Golden Mean has been performed live at venues including KW Jazz Room and was programmed for the Medicine Hat JazzFest in 2025. No cover versions by other artists have been documented, placing it among the emerging original compositions in the contemporary Canadian jazz scene.
