Largo
Brad Mehldau · 2002
65 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A contemplative blend of jazz and pop, weaving intricate piano lines with rich emotional depth and subtle harmonies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Paranoid Android — This track showcases Mehldau's ability to transform a Radiohead classic into a jazz odyssey, blending intricate rhythms with lyrical improvisation that captures the song's emotional complexity.
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Dear Prudence — In this rendition, Mehldau's sensitive touch reveals new melodic interpretations of the Beatles' original, creating an introspective atmosphere that highlights his skillful harmonization.
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When It Rains Start here — Opening the album, this composition sets the tone with its hauntingly beautiful melodies and flowing improvisations, revealing Mehldau's deep connection to mood and texture.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalLargo showcases Mehldau's intricate piano work and thoughtful arrangements, marking a significant step in his evolving style.
What we noticed
- Tracks vary in length, with several extending beyond six minutes, allowing for extended improvisation and exploration of themes.
- The use of space is notable; many pieces include pauses that create a contemplative atmosphere, inviting listeners to reflect on the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts
- introspective rhythms for deep thought
- contemplative listening during quiet moments
- peaks of emotion throughout journey
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, upbeat tracks
- seek standalone singles over cohesion
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Mehldau's reputation in contemporary jazz post-experimental shift.
- Themes
- Radiohead reimagined· Beatles reinterpretation· introspective improvisation
- Career context
- Released in 2002, Largo represents a pivotal moment in Brad Mehldau's career as his first album after transitioning to a more experimental style. This project followed his acclaimed work, The Art of the Trio series, marking a departure towards incorporating popular music influences alongside traditional jazz elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Esbjörn Svensson Trio· Tigran Hamasyan· Robert Glasper
Tracklist
- 1 When It Rains Start here 6:36
- 2 You’re Vibing Me 3:28
- 3 Dusty McNugget 5:43
- 4 Dropjes 3:58
- 5 Paranoid Android 9:05
- 6 Franklin Avenue 3:42
- 7 Sabbath 4:42
- 8 Dear Prudence 5:22
- 9 Free Willy 5:05
- 10 Alvarado 4:00
- 11 Wave/Mother Nature’s Son 6:28
- 12 I Do 7:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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