Brad Mehldau

Mehldau was spectacular. His time and feel as a solo pianist is something truly special. But Paramount Theater was definitely advertising Mehldau's trio when we purchased our tickets - and that's even what it said on the sign, which they comically scrambled to revise as people were strolling into the venue. I'd love to know the story there...

The concert was wonderful. The stage, however, was set in a way that the audience sitting close to the stage saw the pianist’s legs only

Amazing concert. Fourteen Reveries and Suite: April 2020 were dark and foreboding. Mehldau delved into the deepest reaches of his psyche, touching on fears that Covid had changed the lives of so many and the continuing uncertainty that we still face in our troubled world. He then played a long series of encores which lifted the mood of the audience: many Beatles songs, Mitchell's "Both Sides Now' and Dylan's 'Don't Think Twice' elicited a delighted response from the enchanted crowd.

What an interesting experience. The first third of the show was Mr Mehldau performing "Fourteen Reveries", a commissioned piece that was experimental and modern, showcasing technical talent anchored by an abundance of ostinato. It wasn't really my area of expertise or interest but it was, even to my ignorant understanding, a very ethereal experience, pulling me into the Reveries. The second third of the show, following the intermission, was selected pieces from Mr Mehldau from his own and others' compositions, ending with selections from his "April 2020". This section of the show was a bit more engaging for me as the April 2020 pieces in particular invited me to imagine how the piece and the title matched up and informed each other: how was this piece "Keeping Distance" about that experience? Most of April 2020 was thought-provoking and slower except for the selection "In the Kitchen" which I imagine was something charged and fun: I wanted to ask him after the show what, exactly, was going on in that kitchen that was so engaging but, eh, I didn't have the opportunity. I mean really. Was it sexual? Just enjoying cooking? For whatever reason I'm really engaged with this question since the piece was so out of the style of the rest of the selections. Then the concert ended, and the final third of the show began: seven (eight?) single-piece encores, each time Mr Mehldau coming out to play something more and more fun. The silent listening and consideration of the first third, the contemplative second both disappeared and this section of the show was just a blast: Mr Mehldau cranking out fun tunes and having a great time, the audience hooting every time he came out once again. It totally transformed the show and went from 4 to 5 stars: Mr Mehldau had done some gripping technical work earlier but now he was having more fun with it in pieces that encouraged that playfulness. The whole of the experience really ran the breadth of the man's skill and it was wonderful.

Incredible musicians. Brad Mehldau and company played beautifully. They seemed inspired. The food was surprisingly good for a jazz club that requires you to have - or at least pay for - dinner before the show. I shall return.

I have been a fan of Brad Mehldau for years and thoroughly enjoyed my first concert with him at The Ina and Jack Kay Theatre. The event was magical from the stylishly simple blue screen backlighting to Mr. Mehldau’s sense of humor, and the way he and members of his trio coughed into their elbows without missing a beat! All numbers in the program were beautifully played, but Backyard, Resignation, and his rendition of Nick Drake’s River Man were outstanding!

Brilliant. Brad is a Genius. Sick, as they unfortunately, were, they delivered. The performance was delayed(piano tune-up), but nevertheless they even played an encore. The set: ( perhaps not exactly in order) Got me wrong Tweaky Cheryl Gentle John Unrequited Moe Honk Holland When i fall in love Cry me a river Wish them a speedy recovery.

This was a superb evening with sublime playing by Brad Mehldau. He performed tracks mainly from recent albums “Suite April 2020” and “Your Mother Should Know” and his playing was both absorbing and beautiful. The very appreciative audience was rewarded with 2 encores. Highly recommended.

I expected to listen to Brad Mehldau playing more. Terrific the merge with the orchestra, and the improvisation dialogue, but the number of minutes he played has been too low.

Magnífico concierto. El trío, tan compenetrado como siempre. El repertorio, toda una sorpresa, mezclando composiciones propias, standards y versiones que nos deleitaron durante las dos horas de concierto. Estábamos tan entregados que tuvieron a bien agradecernos nuestro entusiasmo con 3 bises nada menos. Se nos hará una eternidad la espera hasta que vuelvan a actuar para nosotros.

Increíble, como siempre. La conexión entre los tres músicos es insuperable y siempre sorprende el repertorio. Esperando ya su próxima visita a Madrid.

Elegant music and artistry in a really modern and wonderful venue. Brad Mehldau's skill at the piano was on full display and his drummer and stand-up bassist we equally awesome. The solos were engaging and really got the entire audience excited. Excellent concert! My review would have been 5 stars but Brad Mehldau (Trio) avoided playing anything from Brad's current album until the encores. And only in the third and final encore. What gives?! Perhaps my expectation of more music from the recently released "Your Mother Should Know" was misplaced? But I know I wasn't the only one yelling out "Blackbird!" when the group came back out for the 3rd encore and FINALLY played a cover of a Beatles song.....but not Blackbird. :-/

Brad and his fine quintet gave the packed audience their money’s worth of quality music. Christian McBride’s bass playing took center stage in my opinion. I was disappointed that Brad didn’t treat us to a solo piano song or two. Brad was good but not exceptional. The audience volume prior to the show was uncomfortably loud, over 95db. I wished I brought my earplugs.

Probably the finest jazz quartet in the last ten years at the top of their form. An honour to see them.

True Grand Masters of their craft. It was an absolute privilege to witness this legendary quartet live. We were blown away by the skilled nuance and precision in their musical talents. Thank you, thank you for coming to SoCal.

Such a wonderful sweet powerfull trio. Brad meldhau is one of the best composer musician ever he's so intense that makes you travel with mind during all the concert

Great piano solo and orchestra concert. I do love the interpretation and variations of the beautiful piece "Little by little" by Radiohead. Brad Mehldau has the ability to give music a special personal poetical sound always in evolution.

2h de concert, un super moment. Toutes les nuances du saxophone chez Joshua. Une main gauche incroyable chez Brad. Et toujours de l'inventivité dans de longs et beaux échanges.

Two guys so masterly knowing each other, knowing their instrument, they take all the opportunity to explore the song they play, turn it inside out, not afraid to play very little but just the right notes. Simply an immense joy to see them play and be free. Such masters they are.

Good and solid performance of this famous trio. It lacked some excitement, but overall I was satisfied with the concert. Larry Granedier was great!