Brad Mehldau: Monk's Dream
Track
Monk's Dream
Artist
Brad Mehldau (piano)
CD
Art of the Trio, Volume 2: Live at the Village Vanguard
Recorded: Village Vanguard, New York City, July 29 - August 3, 1997
Rating: 95/100 (learn more)
Brad Mehldau’s virtuosic version of Thelonious’s “Monk’s Dream” provides the listener with a prime example of a jazz musician improvising based on the melody of a tune until he/she finds an idea that they wish to instantly develop. Throughout this solo, Mehldau time and again dips into the “Monk’s Dream” melody and then embellishes it with improvised statements. The melodic improvisation intensifies for well over four minutes until Mehldau begins an amazing rhythmic/harmonic variation (beginning at approxi- mately 5:20 and lasting until 6:45) that still references the melody as the solo reaches its climax. It is a remarkable improvised statement that Mehldau’s Vanguard audiences have been absorbing for many years now. Also note the rare Rossy solo (in the form of trading fours with Mehldau) at the conclusion of Mehldau’s improvisation.
Reviewer: Eric Novod
If you liked this track, also check out
Brad Mehldau: River Man
Brad Mehldau: Paranoid Android
Thelonious Monk: Monk's Mood
Related Links
Assessing Brad Mehldau at Mid-Career by Ted Gioia
The Dozens: Twelve Essential Brad Mehldau Performances by Ted Gioia
In Conversation with Brad Mehldau by Ted Panken
Tags: monk covers · piano trio · village vanguard
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