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Brad Mehldau
Places(Warner)
The busy Brad Mehldau's seventh album as leader since his debut on Warner in 1995
is Places, a program of original tunes named after the cities they were composed in. The album is divided between solo and trio performances. This is an interesting device and helps make the record feel like a journey—a journey with travel and pauses, movements and rests.
Mehldau's solo pieces show more of his classical training. Solo pieces such as "29 Palms" seem densely layered, perhaps showing an influence of the German classical composers he's been listening to. Some of his solo work ends up seeming a bit too busy and ornamental.
His trio pieces are less self-conscious sounding; they are looser and more flowing and lyrical. I think the interaction with his trio mates helps the music sound more exciting—and after several years of touring together Mehdau has achieved a strong rapport with his fellow trio members, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jorge Rossy. (And catch Mehldau's sideman appearance with Larry Grenadier on Charles Lloyd's excellent new CD, The Water is Wide.)
Brad Mehdau's playing is still maturing. It will be interesting to see where his journey leads.
— Alan Lankin, 8 Sept 2000
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last update 9 Sept 2000