Mehldau cuts experimental album
Brad Mehldau’s new album includes a cover of the Rush song “Tom Sawyer,” which brings to mind Mark Twain, which brings to mind a quote attributed to Twain regarding the music of Mahler: “It’s better than it sounds.”
That critique could apply here.
Mehldau is perhaps the most lyrical jazz pianist of his generation. He’s also drawn to a genre that could be called restless-soul music — challenging, experimental, boundarydefying material, such as “Jacob’s Ladder.”
The 70-minute set features pretty piano, yes. There’s also anguished screaming, squawky sax, mysterious meter, reading from scripture and shouted German philosophy. It’s odd and uneven, and no one will complain it’s too short.
Even so, Mehldau’s ambition is to be admired, and prog rock fans will likely love it. He draws on Genesis — the book and the band — as he considers our climb toward heaven and our relationship with God.
Rush is a recurring touchstone, and there are also nods to Yes, Bach, math metal, David Byrne, Tropicalia, free-jazz funk and video games. Guests include Chris Thile and Cecile McLorin Salvant, but Mehldau does the heavy lifting — on one cut he plays 11 instruments and contributes layered wordless vocals.
With music, however, as with spiritual matters, sometimes less is more. The conclusion of the final tune features an ordinary 4/4 beat and threechord pattern explored by Mehldau’s solo piano. Like Mahler at his best, it sounds heavenly. — Steven Wine, Associated Press
Guitarist Rick Holmstrom’s new album is an all-instrumental collection
of toe-tappers, thigh-slappers and finger-snappers. There’s an irresistible backbeat, and the mood is upbeat. Grin and hear it.
Holmstrom, who has worked with Mavis Staples for the past 15 years, draws on antecedents reaching back much farther than that, to the days when the electric guitar was ubiquitous on the pop charts. His playing is a stylish swirl of hipster funk, twang, the blues and garage rock — in fact, most of “Get It!” was recorded in a Los Angeles garage.
Accompanied by drummer Steve Mugalian and bassist Gregory Boaz, Holmstrom tears through 14 tunes, all original, in less than 40 minutes. There’s plenty of playful interplay and the rhythm always jumps, whether Holmstrom’s band of joy is evoking a prayer meeting, sock hop, beach party or juke joint.
Holmstrom plays a distinctive mix of lead and rhythm guitar. His neck excursions combine dips and scoops, lyrical runs, toggles between registers and shimmering chord clusters. Notes cascade, collide, argue and agree.
It’s all in good fun, and words would just get in the way. — Steven Wine
Singer-songwriter Elliah Heifetz’s debut album is a cheerful reminder Americana has roots in many countries.
Heifetz was raised on