Morning:
6°c
Jack Massarik's rating
Lost chords from Brad Mehldau
By
Jack Massarik
21 Oct 2008
Some are enchanted by Brad Mehldau. Promoter John Cumming introduced him as “someone who has redefined the piano trio”. Others, who see beyond the slim American’s delicate touch, elbows-out lyricism and studied introspection, find a classically trained impressionist of restricted swing and patchy grasp of modern jazz-piano theory.
With double-bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard, he was at his best and worst. On the credit side he showed remarkable inter-hand independence, carrying ideas smoothly from right to left hand and back, or maintaining unison lines two octaves apart. Next moment came weak chord voicings, rudimentary triads no self-respecting modern pianist would consider.
The nadir was his cadenza to an obscure Sound of Music ballad, 10 agonising, self-indulgent minutes of chords that refused to resolve. It was all flaky pastry and no meat until he served up a fast version of Charlie Parker’s demanding original, Confirmation. But the critic who called Mehldau the new Herbie Hancock had obviously never experienced the groove elation a Hancock, Keithh Jarrett or Chick Corea can generate.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (6)
I heartily echo the comments by Steve from London. But I would also add for the edification of Jack Massarick, that the likes of Chick Corea and Keith Jarrett themselves consider Mehldau to be one of the finest modern innovators around, and indeed a prime influence for their own playing. And let's not forget that although these guys have forged the basis of modern jazz piano, in their latter years (as they are entirely entitled to do) they have pretty much settled into their own styles and have ceased to be true modern innovators in the sense of reinvention - sure there is some tinkering around the edges but on the whole their approaches have stayed the same for many years. And fair enough for they have both, along with their generation, paid their dues. But think back to their early days - they were both searching for new ways to play music, just as any self respecting jazz musician would, so why should Brad Mehldau be any different. And let's face it, as time goes on it inevitably becomes harder and harder to create something truly new. So perhaps the best of modern jazz is jazz that looks back (Triads being just one element among many) as well as forward, and in my opinion Mehldau's trio strikes something close to a perfect balance between the two. So the "Critic" who referred to him as the new Herbie Hancock was clearly right in this context, so get a grip Massarik!
P.S. One the HARDEST swinging trios in the world!!
- Stewart, London, UK, 16/01/2009 18:39
Report abuse
I'm a professional musician and Mehldau fan but didn't really enjoy the gig - reading that he has a 'patchy grasp of modern jazz-piano theory', however, is possibly the most hilarious thing I have ever read. He sometimes chooses not to use it, but don't mistake that for lack of ability; in fact Jarrett is a pioneer of 'rudimentary' triadic harmony, often taking all harmonic complexity out of the music (listen to the opening of the Koln Concert). A little knowledge is a dangerous thing - which is why the standard of jazz criticism in the press generally is so low at the moment.
- Tom, London UK, 30/10/2008 11:18
Report abuse
jack,your the one with the restricted swing.this trio can groove like no other and the interplay between mehldau's left and right hands is a delight as is the unfurling of his interpretatations.a stimulating journey,an immensely enjoyable evening.
- B.Cole, london,england, 27/10/2008 11:26
Report abuse
Jack Massarik has no idea of the scope & concept of music that Brad & his trio bring to the table. It seems his idea of how a 'self respecting modern pianist' plays is some strange fixed set of chord voicing & that to play a simple chord is a no no. Oh dear, well I guess the talented carry on creating, the critics limp on 3 miles behind showing everyone just how lame their idea of what music "should be" really is..
- Steve, London, UK., 24/10/2008 00:49
Report abuse
These 3 were tight, swinging and spectacular! A shame that you were unable to appreciate this fantastic set more than indicated in your review. There certainly aren't many better bands working the jazz world today. Brad's a risk taker, and he works a country mile outside the box. One of the best shows of the year by far! - felt lucky to be there. Tell me please you were left unmoved by the "jammy kind of thing" tune? The boys reached the ionosphere on that one!
- Erling, London, UK., 23/10/2008 21:15
Report abuse
You'd think, to read Jack, that this was Brad + rhythm section, not a wonderfully inventive and integrated trio . Jeff Ballard is a marvellous drummer, using everything from mallets, brushes and sticks to his fingertips and Larry Grenadier plays super fast lines and rock solid walking lines with consummate ease and style. 'Something good' from the Sound of Music, far from being the nadir, was quite beautiful and shows that Brad continues to take risks with new material - just like Bill did with 'The theme from MASH' - or was that his nadir too? One of my favourite moments of the night was the trio’s playing of another new piece Sufjan Stevens’s Holland - a great gig!
- Christine, London, England, 22/10/2008 08:52
Report abuse
