Live in Marciac
Brad Mehldau · 2011
101 min · 14 tracks · jazz
A fluid interplay of intricate melodies and improvisational depth, showcasing the essence of contemporary jazz performance.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Storm Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
-
→
Exit Music (For a Film) — This track stands out for its haunting interpretation, transforming Radiohead's original into a reflective jazz exploration that highlights Mehldau's emotive playing.
-
→
My Favorite Things — Mehldau's rendition infuses fresh energy into this classic, blending traditional elements with innovative improvisation to create a captivating listening experience.
-
→
Secret Love — The sensitive phrasing and intricate harmonies displayed here exemplify Mehldau's skill in breathing new life into beloved standards, making it a standout performance.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate compositions and skilled improvisation, making it a strong entry in contemporary jazz.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisational sections, with several tracks exceeding eight minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
- The interplay between piano and bass is particularly pronounced, with the bass often responding to or echoing Mehldau's melodic lines.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
- dynamic exploration of themes
- captivating late-night improvisation
- wave-like pacing throughout
- emotive melodies for reflection
- headphone detail hunting
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid live album showcasing Mehldau's improvisational depth, not a primary entry point.
- Career context
- By the time of this release, Brad Mehldau was already an established figure in jazz, known for his innovative piano work and unique interpretations. 'Live in Marciac' arrived as his first live album since 2008's 'Highway Rider', capturing his evolving artistry during a period of prolific output.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Esbjörn Svensson Trio· Tigran Hamasyan· Robert Glasper
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Storm Start here 4:29
- 2 It's All Right With Me 5:22
- 3 Secret Love 7:13
- 4 Unrequited 8:21
- 5 Resignation 10:25
- 6 Trailer Park Ghost 10:11
- 7 Goodbye Storyteller (For Fred Myrow) 7:30
- 8 Exit Music (For a Film) 7:46
Disc 2
- 1 Things Behind the Sun 7:47
- 2 Lithium 4:31
- 3 Lilac Wine 9:18
- 4 Martha My Dear 6:55
- 5 My Favorite Things 6:30
- 6 Dat Dere 5:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.