Jazz pianist Brad Mehldau is performing at the Jazz Showcase through Sunday. Accompanied by bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jorge Rossy, Mehldau embraces compositions by everyone from Miles Davis to Radiohead with skill and precision. Mehldau's music is tradition in transition as he follows the style and substance of immaculate jazz trios led by the late Bill Evans and subsequently, Keith Jarrett. Bringing a classical flair and his unique harmonic sophistication to his live performances, Mehldau is a virtuoso who has captured the heart of the contemporary jazz community. Having first achieved recognition as a member of saxophonist Josh Redman's band, Mehldau has now released four albums on Warner Brothers Records. His latest disc, "Art Of The Trio 4: Back At The Vanguard," showcases the prodigy's spellbinding technique as well as a great empathy between Mehldau and his bandmates. With pieces ranging anywhere from ten to twenty minutes in length, Mehldau's live show provides plenty of opportunities to display his fertile musical imagination and his unabashed romanticism. Mehldau is quietly entertaining as he often performs with his eyes closed, his head crocked to one side and his arms thrust far out in front of him as his hands dance up and down the keyboard. Something of a perfectionist yet still growing as a musician, Brad Mehldau is well worth checking out.
by Mitch Myers
copyright 1999 New City Communications, Inc.