Pat Metheny and Brad Mehldau: Metheny Mehldau

CML call number: CD JAZZ Metheny
Nate Chinen wrote in the New York Times: "[T]he guitarist Pat Metheny and the pianist Brad Mehldau … have been combining two of modern jazz's most distinctive personalities. … Each has developed an individual solo vocabulary on his instrument, as well as a deep attunement to ensemble interplay. Both are dedicated students of the post-bop jazz tradition who have also been deeply influenced by classical music, Brazilian music and harmonically sophisticated pop. … 'Brad's appearance on the scene was really significant to me,' Mr. Metheny said. … 'Brad embodies the quest for taking ideas and letting them sort of bloom in really extended ways.' … Naturally that quest is a guiding force of 'Metheny Mehldau,' which consists almost entirely of duets. … 'Annie's Bittersweet Cake,' a piece by Mr. Mehldau, has a discursive melody that Mr. Metheny happily executes and then expands. And on 'Make Peace,' one of Mr. Metheny's pastoral tunes, Mr. Mehldau employs a subtle chromaticism while his partner strums in the background. Even at its most rarefied, their rapport sounds easy" ("A Mutual Inspiration Society in Action," 4/8/07).