Biography
Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, and Brian Blade form a supergroup of modern jazz, each a virtuoso in their own right and together representing a high-water mark of contemporary jazz ensemble playing. Their collaboration first gained widespread attention with Redman's 1994 album 'MoodSwing,' which introduced this quartet as a formidable force, blending Redman's expressive saxophone, Mehldau's lyrical and harmonically adventurous piano, McBride's agile bass, and Blade's dynamic drumming. The album's all-original compositions and the group's remarkable interplay elevated not only Redman's profile but also established each member as a leading voice in jazz.[3][9]
After their initial collaboration, the members pursued highly successful individual careers. Redman, the son of legendary saxophonist Dewey Redman, became known for his inventive improvisation and genre-blurring projects. Mehldau, recognized for his fusion of jazz, classical, and pop idioms, formed the influential Brad Mehldau Trio. McBride, a Grammy-winning bassist, became a sought-after bandleader and educator, while Blade established himself as one of the most sensitive and creative drummers in jazz. The quartet reunited for the album 'RoundAgain' (2020) and 'LongGone' (2022), reaffirming their status as a premier jazz ensemble and showcasing their matured artistry and deep musical rapport.[2][7]
Their music is characterized by intricate interplay, melodic inventiveness, and a willingness to draw from a wide range of influences, including jazz standards, pop, and classical music. The legacy of this group lies in their ability to push the boundaries of jazz while honoring its traditions, inspiring a new generation of musicians and listeners alike.[3][9]
Fun Facts
- Brad Mehldau and Joshua Redman first played together when Mehldau was just 22 and still a student at The New School in New York.[3]
- The quartet's 1994 album 'MoodSwing' is considered a modern jazz classic and marked the debut of this now-legendary lineup.[9]
- Christian McBride and Brad Mehldau were both mentored by jazz greats in Manhattan clubs, including the legendary vocalist Betty Carter, who was known for her brutally honest feedback.[5]
- The group reunited after more than two decades for the albums 'RoundAgain' (2020) and 'LongGone' (2022), receiving critical acclaim for their continued chemistry and innovation.[2][7]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Dewey Redman - Joshua Redman's father and early musical influence, renowned avant-garde saxophonist (N/A (family/mentorship)) [1970s–1990s]
- Betty Carter - Mentor to Christian McBride and Brad Mehldau in New York jazz scene, known for tough love and high standards (Live club sessions, mentorship) [Late 1980s–1990s]
Key Collaborators
- Joshua Redman - Band leader and saxophonist in the quartet (MoodSwing, Timeless Tales (for Changing Times), RoundAgain, LongGone) [1994, 1998, 2020, 2022]
- Brad Mehldau - Pianist in the quartet, frequent collaborator with Redman (MoodSwing, Timeless Tales (for Changing Times), Walking Shadows, RoundAgain, LongGone) [1994–present]
- Christian McBride - Bassist in the quartet, frequent collaborator with Mehldau and Redman (MoodSwing, Timeless Tales (for Changing Times), RoundAgain, LongGone) [1994–present]
- Brian Blade - Drummer in the quartet, core member of the group (MoodSwing, Timeless Tales (for Changing Times), RoundAgain, LongGone) [1994–present]
- Larry Grenadier - Bassist in Brad Mehldau Trio and on Redman's 'Walking Shadows' (Brad Mehldau Trio albums, Walking Shadows) [1990s–present]
Artists Influenced
- Aaron Goldberg - Pianist in Redman's later quartet, influenced by Redman's leadership and style (Beyond, Passage of Time) [2000–2001]
- Younger jazz pianists - Influenced by Mehldau's harmonic language and trio approach (Various modern jazz recordings) [2000s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Art of the Trio, Vol. 1 | 1997-01-28 | Album |
| Songs: The Art of the Trio, Vol. 3 | 1998-09-15 | Album |
| Your Mother Should Know: Brad Mehldau Plays The Beatles | 2023-02-10 | Album |
| Mon chien Stupide (Bande originale du film) | 2019-10-28 | Album |
| Chris Thile & Brad Mehldau | 2017-01-20 | Album |
| Largo | 2002-08-13 | Album |
| Solid Jackson | 2024-11-29 | Album |
| After Bach | 2018-03-09 | Album |
| Introducing Brad Mehldau | 1995-09-26 | Album |
| After Bach II | 2024-05-10 | Album |
| Finding Gabriel | 2019-05-17 | Album |
| 10 Years Solo Live | 2015-10-16 | Album |
| The Art of the Trio, Vol. 2: Live at the Village Vanguard | 1998-03-10 | Album |
| Suite: April 2020 | 2020-06-12 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Blackbird (The Art of the Trio, Vol. 1)
- Exit Music (Songs: The Art of the Trio, Vol. 3)
- Alfie (Day Is Done)
- I Fall in Love Too Easily (The Art of the Trio, Vol. 1)
- When It Rains (Largo)
- Paranoid Android I (Mon chien Stupide (Bande originale du film))
- Between the Bars
- Your Mother Should Know (Your Mother Should Know: Brad Mehldau Plays The Beatles)
- Tabhair dom do Lámh (Chris Thile & Brad Mehldau)
- Blame It on My Youth (The Art of the Trio, Vol. 1)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, Chr has been played 19 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station. Showing the 10 most recent plays.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 7, 2026 | 08:07 | Paranoid Androidfrom Largo | The Morning Setw/ Breaux Bridges | |
| Jan 7, 2026 | 08:02 | Between the Barsfrom Ride into the Sun | The Morning Setw/ Breaux Bridges | |
| Dec 15, 2025 | 18:07 | faithfrom moodswing | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Maryse Dejean | |
| Dec 15, 2025 | 08:27 | Sublimationfrom Joshua Redman | The Morning Setw/ Stuart Hall | |
| Dec 11, 2025 | 17:15 | Whittlin'from Wish | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Keith Hill | |
| Dec 5, 2025 | 07:14 | Sweet Adeline Fantasy | The Morning Setw/ Dave Dauterive | |
| Nov 28, 2025 | 16:27 | Southern Belle | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Charles Burchell | |
| Nov 13, 2025 | 08:54 | Sassyassed Sassafrassfrom Mehliana | The Morning Setw/ Scott Borne | |
| Nov 10, 2025 | 02:40 | Hey Joefrom Where do you Start? | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis | |
| Oct 30, 2025 | 17:28 | Headin' Homefrom Mood Swing | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Keith Hill |