LongGone
Brad Mehldau · 2022
47 min · 6 tracks · jazz
A meditative blend of jazz harmonies and expansive improvisation, weaving intricate melodies through a rich sonic landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Long Gone Start here — The title track opens the album with a contemplative mood, setting the tone for the exploration of loss and longing that permeates the record.
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Disco Ears — This track showcases Mehldau's playful side, merging rhythmic complexity with catchy motifs that invite listeners to engage with its danceable energy.
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Rejoice — At nearly thirteen minutes long, this closing piece encapsulates the album's emotional range, transitioning from melodic introspection to exhilarating improvisation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalLongGone showcases intricate melodies and strong improvisational elements, making it a solid entry in Mehldau's discography.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of extended improvisation, with each track allowing for significant exploration of themes and motifs.
- Melodic lines are often introduced by the piano and then developed through interplay with bass and drums, creating a conversational dynamic.
- The first three tracks maintain a moderate tempo, while the last three gradually shift to more reflective and slower-paced pieces.
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- meditative moments for deep reflection
- gradual build towards emotional climax
- intricate harmonies for attentive listening
- soothing background for focused work
- serene improvisation inviting contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer standalone upbeat tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Continues Mehldau's exploration of original compositions with critical acclaim.
- Career context
- Released on September 9, 2022, LongGone marks Brad Mehldau's first album of original compositions since 2018's Finding Gabriel. At this point in his career, Mehldau had solidified his status as a leading figure in contemporary jazz, known for his innovative approaches and deep emotional expression. This album reflects his ongoing evolution as an artist, integrating elements of modern jazz with introspective themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Esbjörn Svensson Trio· Tigran Hamasyan· Robert Glasper
Tracklist
- 1 Long Gone Start here 7:21
- 2 Disco Ears 6:21
- 3 Statuesque 8:19
- 4 Kite Song 6:00
- 5 Ship to Shore 6:32
- 6 Rejoice 12:43
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Spaces
Nils Frahm
Shares a meditative quality and rich sonic textures, blending improvisation with electronic influences.
Mockroot
Tigran Hamasyan
Combines intricate melodies and jazz harmonies with a deeply introspective and expansive feel.
v2.0
GoGo Penguin
Merges jazz fusion with modern rhythms and atmospheric soundscapes, creating a reflective listening experience.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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