Blues and Ballads
55 min · 7 tracks · jazz
Intimate piano melodies intertwine with lush harmonies, creating a reflective atmosphere that invites deep emotional engagement.
Top tracks — play these first
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Since I Fell for You Start here — This track opens the album with heartfelt emotion, showcasing Mehldau's ability to convey longing through subtle phrasing and dynamic contrasts. Its extended length allows for an evolving exploration of the melody.
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Cheryl — A nuanced take on a classic, this rendition highlights Mehldau's intricate harmonic choices while maintaining the song's lyrical essence, making it a standout interpretation.
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And I Love Her — Mehldau transforms this Beatles classic into a contemplative ballad, using delicate improvisation that emphasizes both tenderness and depth, showcasing his artistry.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalMehldau's intimate interpretations of jazz standards blend intricate melodies with lush harmonies, inviting deep engagement.
What we noticed
- Each piece is approached with a reflective tempo, allowing for extended improvisation that emphasizes emotional nuance.
- The arrangement of standards is done with subtle variations in dynamics and phrasing, creating a personal interpretation that diverges from traditional renditions.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- delicate melodies for quiet evenings
- emotive improvisation that invites introspection
- gradual development that rewards attention
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, fast-paced energy
- prefer standalone tracks over cohesion
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Marks a return to jazz standards, showcasing Mehldau's artistic depth and personal touch.
- Career context
- Released in 2015, 'Blues and Ballads' is Brad Mehldau's first album of standards after his acclaimed 'Largo' in 2002. This record marks a return to the jazz tradition while showcasing his unique interpretative style. It follows a period where Mehldau explored more experimental sounds and collaborations, reaffirming his place in contemporary jazz.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Esbjörn Svensson Trio· Tigran Hamasyan· Robert Glasper
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Since I Fell for You
The transition into the bridge where the melody shifts subtly yet profoundly reflects the narrator's vulnerability and yearning.
This shift not only enhances emotional impact but also demonstrates Mehldau's skill in manipulating musical structure to express deeper feelings.
Tracklist
- 1 Since I Fell for You Start here 10:55
- 2 I Concentrate on You 7:21
- 3 Little Person 3:53
- 4 Cheryl 7:37
- 5 These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You) 6:00
- 6 And I Love Her 9:25
- 7 My Valentine 10:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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