OdeNonesuch ***

The young prodigy tag may have fallen away as pianist Brad Mehldau matures, but his muse has rarely faltered. In particular, Mehldau's ongoing commitment to this trio (with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard) as his principle outlet has made it one of the most influential units in contemporary jazz. In recent years however, the pianist has flexed other muscles in the studio, and while the trio has continued to develop in a live context, new recordings have been few and far between. But if Ode – a collection of originals, each dedicated to someone or something dear to the pianist – has been brewing for some time, the wait has only served to increase its potency. To hear Mehldau launch himself into harmonic space is to hear the inner workings of a subtle and playful musical mind, and one which is connected more directly and more faithfully to his ears – and his heart - than many of his contemporaries. bradmehldau.com