Brad Mehldau Trio (Live)

I bought this disc a few weeks ago and can't stop listening! The sound is big and captivating, the accompanying players are stellar; I can't say enough good things about it - Mehldau's playing is top notch; Grenadier and Ballard are possibly the best bassist and drummer I've heard - Grenadier and Ballard's work on "Black Hole Sun" is unbelievable!

There is not a doubt in my mind that Brad Mehldau is one of the most influential musicians out there right now. Not only within the jazz world, but few jazz musicians today will draw from so many different genres as he does. His take on Oasis's "Wonderwall" is particularly exciting, I think. Even though I sometimes feel that Jeff Ballard plays too busily, he really provides a nice feel for the trio. Brad's classical training as always apparent as well. Now I understand when people say that the best jazzers are also the classical players. haha. I've seen him live twice, each time more and more mesmorized by his playing. As he does record tunes more than once, each take is entirely different. You can tell he studied w/ Kenny Werner, an obvious influence. If you are a 1st time Brad listener, it might be wise to pick up an earlier album of his.. It is really cool to see the progression his trio has taken.

Brad Mehldau is quickly becoming one of my favorite jazz pianists. He has his own unique style, and his technique is exceptional. It's amazing to listen to him play around rhythmic ideas, and I enjoy listening to the way that he weaves in and out of the chordal structure. My favorite track from this album is Secret Beach, which I've already listened to several times. I also highly recommend his Elegiac Cycle album, which is a solo effort.

Yet again the Mehldau Trio has found a new way to blow my mind. Larry's bass lines on Wonderwall and Black Hole Sun are incredible. The ability for Brad to create something entirely new with this mix of pop tunes, rock tunes, standards and originals while still keeping the melody easily noticed is very inspiring. For people who understand the value of great music I would say this is one of the best deals on iTunes right now.

This is a great outing from Mehldau's current trio. With covers ranging from Oasis to Coltrane, the repertoire spans generations and genres. The sound recording is excellent and if not for the applause of the crowd, it would pass for a studio recording. Others have mentioned that Mehldau's label, Nonesuch, is offering a special edition of the album on their website that includes all three sets from the trio's Friday performance. It includes about an hour of music not on the standard release, but it also lacks several of the tracks found here (B-Flat Waltz, The Very Thought of You, More Than You Know, and Countdown). Whichever version you choose, you're in for a treat.

This is an excellent album, and I had the pleasure of being at the Vanguard for one of the Sat night sets. FYI: There is a high-quality digital version of this album available on Mehldau's website, which includes all three Friday night sets, for $20. Eight of the songs overlap with the ones available on this version, but I'm not sure if they are the same recordings or not (the track lengths are different, though). Some of the songs on the Complete Fri Night Sets that are not included on this album version are We See, Everything in its Right Place, Fear and Trembling, and 4 others. So, if you can't get enough of this album version, or want to get a recording of the entire set you might have been at, definitely check it out.

I was at one of these shows. The music was so so good; it was a magical night-one I'll never forget now that I have this recording.

OK, folks, $15.99 may seem like a lot, but keep in mind this is a 2-disc set with OVER TWO AND A HALF HOURS of great music. Amazon has it for $14.99, and of course you have to pay shipping. And given that there are no liner notes in the physical CD, you might as well get it here! Mehldau is one of today's best jazz artists -- enjoy.

I bought the physical CD today and there are no liner notes, just a picture of the trio. The CD was recorded at the Vanguard on October 11-15 2006.

It seems that this itereration of the trio is finding it's groove. It's a pity that itunes doesn't include the liner notes. Mehldau usually writes the notes for his live albums and I find them to be both informitive and entertaining, sort of as a later day Glenn Gould in this regard. While I like the trio and indeed this album there are certain things I've noticed. The group has achieved a more lyrical quality with Mehldau giving more room for his band mates to have more of a say of things, quite a departure from previos endevours. The only real complaint that I have is that Ballard still doesn't give enough space when needed. O Que Sera has an obvious latin feel to it but Ballard seems to play to far up on the beat for my taste. The same problem persists for B-Flat Waltz. It's a minor complaint but then again Mehldau and co seem to be reaching for that pheux-rock feel so there's little room to mix things up. Still it's a pretty good album and I look forward to future offerings.