Brad Mehldau teams with his longtime mates Jeff Ballard/dr and Larry Grenadier/b tackle a mix of originals and cleverly selected pieces ranging from Boomer tunes to jazz standards. The entire album is held together by Mehldau’s signature touch, sensitive solos as well as richly swinging chords. His own “Spiral” is filled with rippling pulses supplied by his mates, and “Ten Tune” mixes modern classical nocturnes with tricky drum underpinnings. His interpretation of Brian Wilson’s “Friends” is a work of art, classy and uptown with hip brush work, while Paul McCartney’s “Great Day” features Grenadier in a funky gospel mood.
Mehldau and Ballard’s ride cymbal swagger into town on Sam Rivers’ “Beatrice” and with the bopper Elmo Hope’s “De Dah” get into a nifty hard bop groove while his lyricism and 3 way communication on “Almost Like Being In Love,” teamed with changes in pulse and tempo, is a wonderful ride. Another Amendment to Mehldau’s Bill of Rights.
Nonesuch Records