These days Brad Mehldau (Jacksonville, Florida) can be counted among the distinguished elite of modern, creative pianists, with albums that have been ecstatically received by his many fans. As a sideman, Mehldau first supported names like Jimmy Cobb, Cecil Payne and Joshua Redman. Soon after, he recorded a series of trio albums - over a period of ten years - with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jorge Rossy (who last year switched to playing piano). Mehldau found his new drummer in Jeff Ballard. The new live double-album, which was recorded at concerts at the New York jazz club The Village Vanguard, shows that the revamped trio has gained spirit with the arrival of Ballard. The collective interplay of the trio is refined and exhilarating. Mehldau strips pop covers and jazz standards of their original form at various levels in order to mould them into completely new pieces. It is a quest for perfection that everyone should hear.
