BRAD MEHLDAU is a globally renowned, virtuoso improvisational, cult jazz pianist, who fuses classical technique (classical defined here as 'pre-twentieth century') with jazz - often providing the listener with intriguing and inventive takes on modern pop songs. His accolades include performing and recording with renowned jazz heavy weights such as Joshua Redman, Charlie Haden and Lee Konitz; and his music has featured on Stalney Kubrick's 'Eyes Wide Shut', and Wim Wenders' 'Million Dollar Hotel'.
In other words, the man is a bloody genius. Just one evening with his trio (Larry Grenadier [bass], Jeff Ballard [drums/percussion]) was enough to blow the minds of the onlookers into orbit.
The Barbican is a wonderful venue, the atmosphere is warm yet spacious, and the acoustics are as such that a pin-drop on the stage would ricochet around the auditorium like the crisp rattle from an AK40. I can't think of a more appropriate setting for this group of artists.
In addition to his own compositions, Mehdlau's covers - well, more interpretations - of well known tracks, included Soundgarden's 'Black Hole Sun', which started off extremely mellow, gradually morphing into a passionate, psychedelic frenzy; and a beautiful, soporific version of 'She's Leaving Home' by the Beatles. Both were seriously impressive.
His own compositions were enthralling, but we weren't only treated to a superb evening of technical wizardry from Mehdlau himself (and believe me, this never, at any point, crossed into the realms of pretentiousness); the other two thirds of his trio were also unbelievably good musicians.
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Jeff Ballard worked the drums like magic, turning them into a 'musical instrument' rather than something to be bashed at in order to keep time. Larry Grenadier's performance on bass was exquisite, adding a steady, mellow edge beneath the often frenetic playing. But this is to be expected from musicians of this calibre.
The venue was full to capacity with reverent fans. Not being an expert on jazz by any means, I didn't really know what to expect. But not only was the musicianship outstanding, but Medhau himself came across as a very humble performer, chatting to the audience mid-set to explain the rationale behind his chosen songs - which, given my ignorance on the subject, was more than helpful, and was greatly appreciated.
And that is where this reviewer finishes. Given that I am not an expert on Jazz by any means, especially not at this level of academic and technical virtuosity, I can honestly say that I genuinely enjoyed the performance as much as the next person. And if someone can reach across and show me something new, and open my eyes to a genre that perhaps I wouldn't normally look at, then Mr. Mehdlau, I raise my hat to you and your band.
Truly magnificent stuff.
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