Search - Brad Mehldau :: Day Is Done

An Unique Voice in music

Helen Kim | Seoul Korea (South) | 12/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Actually, there are plenty of other Jazz pianists who are every bit as good as Brad Mehldau. The real virtue of Mehldau is that he is not constrained by some notion of "Jazz" or labels, rather he has and is working on a unique expression in music that includes and extends beyond the current trend in Jazz pianism that brings to mind the late and great Kenny Kirkland.



Mehldau's treatment of such pieces as "Martha My Dear" recall Bela Bartok or Charles Ives more so that a Fats Waller or most any "ism" in music today. Mehldau's choice of material to arrange is telling as well. Instead of doing yet another arrangement of a Jazz standard, he has chosen familar yet unknown material in a Jazz context and has used this as a means to explore and play with different sounds and sonorities that one does not usually associate with Jazz. The quietly seathing, chromatic sluring of octaves and unusual dissonance in "Knives Out" cuts in a way that is disquieting and expressive -- such is uniquely Mehldau in its voice. Considering such, it disservice to consider him the "best" Jazz pianist around, rather he is a musician that has developed an unique voice in the music that is striking and worth listening to. Only after listening to what has come before in music can one really appreciate the uniqueness that Mehldau offers.



This CD is a good selection for those interested in where Jazz is going nowadays."

Awesome

drum6282 | 02/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is Brad Mehldau's best album. The trio setting really showcases the talent of Brad Mehldau...With most trios, it's hard for the band to keep my attention. I get bored with the one melody driven instrument, whether it's the sax, trumpet, guitar or piano. This trio keeps my attention the entire time. The tunes are great. There isn't a dull moment on this album. Really listen to what Brad Mehldau is doing and you'll hear what I'm talking about. Very inspiring. Excellent versions of Radiohead's Knives Out and Paul Simon's 50 ways. The band is sick. Go buy this album."

Saying More With Less?

James Bonevich | Kalamazoo, MI | 05/07/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Only a couple of thoughts to add to the consensus view:

1. As Brad Mehldau Trio albums go, this one is just decent, finally falling into place with some cohesiveness around tracks #5 and #6 (the two Mehldau originals), and closing out with three strong statements. It's very hard to self-produce and remain objective. Perhaps if Nonesuch EP Bob Hurwitz would insist on bringing an outsider in, the overall product might sparkle and shine a bit more, and delight more consistently from top to bottom once again.



2. Wherever drummer Jorge Rossy is right about now, I hope that it's a really sweet gig. He brought much and little to the table at the same time, if you know what I mean (very much à la Paul Motian). Next thing we know, Billy Cobham will be replacing Jack DeJohnette in the Keith Jarrett Standards Trio. Rue that day while enjoying the second half of this. Tweak them stars to 3 and a half. Brad's still a monster."