Top 5 Brad Mehldau Albums

Here are my favorite 5 Brad Mehldau albums. I absolutely love his playing and his time feel. Plus the trio is so good! I hope you like my list :)

1. The Art of The Trio, Vol. 3: Songs

"Art of the Trio Vol. 3" is an album by jazz pianist Brad Mehldau, released in 1999. It is the third album in Mehldau's "Art of the Trio" series, which features him playing in a trio format with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jorge Rossy. The album is considered one of Mehldau's most significant and acclaimed albums, and it is a defining moment in his career.

The album features Mehldau on piano, backed by Grenadier on bass and Rossy on drums. The album's tracks are a mix of Mehldau's original compositions and covers of songs by other artists, including songs by The Beatles, Nick Drake, and Paul Simon. Mehldau's playing on the album is characterized by his virtuosic technique and his ability to improvise freely and creatively. He also demonstrates a deep understanding of harmony and melody and an ability to create a unique interpretation of the songs he covers.

One of the album's highlights is Mehldau's version of Nick Drake's "River Man," where he transforms the song into a contemplative and introspective ballad, showcasing his melodic and harmonic sensibility. Another standout track is his original composition "Unrequited," where he creates a melancholic and evocative mood that highlights his virtuosity and creativity.

"Art of the Trio Vol. 3" was a commercial and critical success upon its release, and it has been widely acclaimed by critics over the years. It is considered one of Mehldau's best and most significant albums and it has solidified his reputation as one of the most important jazz pianists of his generation. The album's influence can be heard in the works of many jazz pianists that came after, and it helped establish the "Art of the Trio" series as one of the most important and acclaimed jazz piano trios of the 1990s and 2000s.

2. Ode

"Ode" is an album by jazz pianist Brad Mehldau, released in 2020. It features Mehldau performing on piano with his long-time trio consisting of Larry Grenadier on bass and Jorge Rossy on drums. The album is a collection of Mehldau's original compositions and it's his first album of all-original compositions since "House on Hill" (2006) .

"Ode" is a deeply personal album that showcases Mehldau's virtuosity and creativity as a pianist, composer and arranger. The album's tracks are characterized by their complex harmonies, intricate melodies, and evocative moods. The pianist's playing is characterized by his virtuosic technique and his ability to improvise freely and creatively. He also demonstrates a deep understanding of harmony and melody and an ability to create a unique interpretation of the songs he covers.

The album's title track "Ode" is a contemplative and introspective tune that highlights Mehldau's melodic and harmonic sensibility. Another standout track is "The Prophet is a Fool," where Mehldau creates an evocative and melancholic mood that showcases his virtuosity and creativity.

"Ode" was well received by critics and fans alike, with many praising Mehldau's ability to capture a wide range of emotions in his compositions. The album was also seen as a return to form for the pianist, who had been focusing more on his solo performances and recordings in recent years. The album's influence can be heard in the works of many jazz pianists and musicians that came after, and it helped establish Mehldau as one of the most important and innovative jazz pianists of his generation.

3. Highway Rider

"Highway Rider" is an album by jazz pianist Brad Mehldau, released in 2010. The album features Mehldau on piano, backed by a chamber ensemble consisting of clarinet, bass clarinet, trumpet, trombone, and cello. The album also features Joshua Redman on saxophone and Matt Chamberlain on drums.

"Highway Rider" is a unique and ambitious album that showcases Mehldau's virtuosity and creativity as a pianist, composer and arranger. The album's tracks are characterized by their complex harmonies, intricate melodies, and evocative moods. Mehldau's playing is characterized by his virtuosic technique and his ability to improvise freely and creatively. He also demonstrates a deep understanding of harmony and melody and an ability to create a unique interpretation of the songs he covers. If you want to learn a bit more about music take our music lessons in Ann Arbor.

The album's title track "Highway Rider" is a fast-paced and virtuosic tune that showcases Mehldau's technical abilities, while "John Boy" is a contemplative and introspective ballad that highlights Mehldau's melodic and harmonic sensibility. The album also features some unconventional pieces such as "The Falcon Will Fly Again" which is a fusion of classical and jazz music, and "Always Departing" which features a beautiful orchestration that slowly builds tension.

"Highway Rider" was well received by critics and fans alike, with many praising Mehldau's ability to capture a wide range of emotions in his compositions, and his ambitious and unique approach to the chamber ensemble format. The album was also seen as a departure from Mehldau's usual style, and as a showcase of his versatility as an artist.

4. The Art of the Trio, Vol. 1

"The Art of the Trio, Vol 1" is an album by jazz pianist Brad Mehldau, released in 1997. It is the first album in Mehldau's "Art of the Trio" series, which features him playing in a trio format with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jorge Rossy. The album is considered one of Mehldau's most significant and acclaimed albums, and it is a defining moment in his career.

The album features Mehldau on piano, backed by Grenadier on bass and Rossy on drums. The album's tracks are a mix of Mehldau's original compositions and covers of songs by other artists, including songs by The Beatles. Mehldau's playing on the album is characterized by his virtuosic technique and his ability to improvise freely and creatively. He also demonstrates a deep understanding of harmony and melody and an ability to create a unique interpretation of the songs he covers.

5. Largo

Brad Mehldau's album "Largo" is a solo piano album released in 2002. The album features a mix of original compositions and covers of songs by artists such as Radiohead. The album received positive reviews for Mehldau's unique style of interpreting the songs and his technical skill on the piano. It is considered a landmark release in the genre of contemporary jazz piano.

I hope enjoyed my top 5 picks for Brad Mehldau albums. I really like Brad Mehldau and I love writing about jazz. Thank you for reading all the way to the end. :)