The Brad Mehldau Trio has once again set up shop at New York's Village Vanguard, selling out an entire week of performances in advance and attracting younger fans that might not be typically found at the legendary jazz club.

On May 7, Mehldau, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard mesmerized the audience, opening with Alice In Chains' “Got Me Wrong,” followed by a series of lush, tuneful originals.

In a tradition established long ago by Bill Evans and his storied piano trios, Mehldau’s group often explores contemporary melodies, revealing the nuanced terrain of modern compositions in a somewhat different context. During a plaintive version of Elvis Costello’s ballad, “Baby Plays Around,” Grenadier and Ballard dropped out completely, leaving Melhdau to indulge in an excursion of shimmering chords and subtle, virtuosic soloing.

The trio closed the hypnotic first set with a version of “Holland,” a song written by Sufjan Stevens that Melhdau confessed he first heard on Weeds. As people filed out to make room for the crowd standing outside, many dedicated fans got right back in line, having bought tickets for both the 9 pm and 11 pm shows.

Review by Mitch Myers

Source: YouTube

Also see:

More CelebStoner Reviews