Brad Mehldau

Biography

Metheny Mehldau refers to the collaborative jazz project between guitarist Pat Metheny and pianist Brad Mehldau, two of the most influential and innovative musicians in contemporary jazz. Metheny, born in 1954 in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, began his musical journey as a child prodigy, quickly establishing himself as a leading jazz guitarist with a distinctive, lyrical style that blends post-bop, fusion, and world music influences. Mehldau, born in 1970 in Jacksonville, Florida, emerged in the 1990s as a leading voice in modern jazz piano, known for his harmonic sophistication, rhythmic complexity, and genre-blurring reinterpretations of pop and rock songs. The two first collaborated in December 2005, recording a series of sessions in New York that resulted in two acclaimed albums: 'Metheny Mehldau' (2006), primarily a duo record, and 'Metheny Mehldau Quartet' (2007), which expanded to include Mehldau’s trio rhythm section of bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard.

Their partnership is notable for its seamless integration of composition and improvisation, with both artists contributing original material and exploring the full harmonic and textural possibilities of their instruments. Despite the potential for clashing between guitar and piano, Metheny and Mehldau found a rare musical chemistry, producing work that balances intricate written passages with spontaneous, conversational improvisation. Their albums received widespread critical acclaim, with 'Metheny Mehldau' hailed as 'the jazz event of the year' by Jazzwise (UK). Both musicians are celebrated for their long-standing bands—the Pat Metheny Group and the Brad Mehldau Trio—and for their willingness to cross stylistic boundaries, whether through Metheny’s use of synthesizers and guitar synths or Mehldau’s ventures into classical and popular music. Their collaboration stands as a high-water mark in 21st-century jazz, demonstrating the vitality of the genre when two masterful improvisers and composers join forces.

Fun Facts

• Despite a 16-year age gap, Metheny and Mehldau found immediate musical chemistry, recording 24 tracks in their first studio meeting—enough for two full albums.
• The collaboration almost didn’t happen due to both artists’ busy schedules; Metheny had just released 'The Way Up' and Mehldau was finishing 'House on Hill' and preparing 'Love Sublime' with Renée Fleming.
• Metheny and Mehldau had never had a conversation longer than a few minutes before their first recording session together.
• The 'Metheny Mehldau Quartet' album features seven tracks by Metheny, three by Mehldau, and one co-written tune, showcasing both artists’ compositional strengths.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Gary Burton - Early mentor and collaborator for Pat Metheny (Early Pat Metheny Group albums) [1970s]
• Charlie Haden - Collaborator and influence on Metheny’s harmonic approach (Collaborations in the 1980s-1990s) [1980s-1990s]
• Jack DeJohnette - Collaborator and influence on Metheny’s rhythmic conception (Various projects and tours) [1980s-2000s]

Key Collaborators

• Larry Grenadier - Bassist in the Metheny Mehldau Quartet and Brad Mehldau Trio (Metheny Mehldau Quartet (2007), Brad Mehldau Trio albums) [2005–2007]
• Jeff Ballard - Drummer in the Metheny Mehldau Quartet and Brad Mehldau Trio (Metheny Mehldau Quartet (2007), Brad Mehldau Trio albums) [2005–2007]
• Lyle Mays - Longtime keyboardist and co-composer with Pat Metheny (Pat Metheny Group albums, 'The Way Up' (2005)) [1977–2010]
• Jorge Rossy - Original drummer in the Brad Mehldau Trio (Early Brad Mehldau Trio albums) [1990s–2000s]
• Renée Fleming - Collaborator with Brad Mehldau on classical/jazz crossover (Love Sublime (2006))

Artists Influenced

• Christian McBride - Bassist who has cited both Metheny and Mehldau as influences (Various projects and tributes) [2000s–present]
• Antonio Sanchez - Drummer who has worked with Metheny and cites him as an influence (Pat Metheny Unity Group, solo albums) [2000s–present]
• Kurt Rosenwinkel - Guitarist influenced by Metheny’s harmonic language and Mehldau’s rhythmic concepts (Solo albums, collaborations) [1990s–present]

Source: Wikipedia

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Blackbird (The Art of the Trio, Vol. 1)
2. Exit Music (Songs: The Art of the Trio, Vol. 3)
3. Alfie (Day Is Done)
4. I Fall in Love Too Easily (The Art of the Trio, Vol. 1)
5. When It Rains (Largo)
6. Paranoid Android I (Mon chien Stupide (Bande originale du film))
7. Between the Bars
8. Your Mother Should Know (Your Mother Should Know: Brad Mehldau Plays The Beatles)
9. Tabhair dom do Lámh (Chris Thile & Brad Mehldau)
10. Blame It on My Youth (The Art of the Trio, Vol. 1)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia- MusicBrainz

Tags: #american, #jazz, #jazz-and-blues