Brad Mehldau Brings Eclectic Mix of Material To Barbican Show
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
As the lights dimmed and Brad Mehldau, Larry Grenadier and Jeff Ballard walked purposefully to the Barbican stage last night, who knew what to expect from the pianist and his band, currently among the most influential piano trios around. Early miniature motifs and try-outs by Brad gave away no clues and for a while, despite the first two tunes coming from Brad’s pen, the cadences and melodic snatches sounded as if they came straight from Lennon and McCartney. Mehldau has recorded fine versions of ‘Dear Prudence’ and ‘She’s Leaving Home’ but last night’s concert veered away from obvious covers and left the door wide open for rococo flourishes, deep crab-like improvising and integrated interplay with Grenadier and Ballard. Scampering along happily for most of the gig, even playing the kit with his hands at one point, Ballard’s biscuit-tin vibrations and fast hands were every bit as captivating as Grenadier’s super fast lines and rock solid walking lines, particularly on Brad’s tune based on Charlie Parker’s ‘Confirmation’.
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