Mehliana: Taming the Dragon
Brad Mehldau · 2014
71 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A seamless blend of electronic textures and jazz harmonies creates an introspective, atmospheric soundscape throughout the album.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Taming the Dragon Start here — This title track introduces listeners to the album's unique blend of jazz improvisation and electronic soundscapes, setting the tone for the project.
-
→
Elegy for Amelia E. — This piece stands out for its emotional depth, featuring intricate piano melodies that evoke a sense of longing while maintaining a modern rhythmic pulse.
-
→
Sleeping Giant — The track's dynamic interplay between piano and percussion showcases Mehldau's innovative approach to rhythm and texture, highlighting the album’s fusion essence.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's seamless integration of electronic and jazz elements showcases strong craftsmanship and composition.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of electronic textures layered over acoustic piano, creating a unique soundscape.
- Several pieces utilize complex rhythmic patterns from the drums that interact dynamically with the piano melodies.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
8/10
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 journey with peaks
- contemplative late-night immersion
- wave-like pacing with depth
- innovative textures for exploration
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Showcases a significant departure into electronic music, blending genres in an innovative way.
- Career context
- Released in 2014, Mehliana: Taming the Dragon marked a significant collaborative project for Brad Mehldau, showcasing his explorations in electronic music alongside drummer Mark Guiliana. This album followed his established career as a jazz pianist and is seen as an experimental departure from traditional jazz forms.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Esbjörn Svensson Trio· Tigran Hamasyan· Robert Glasper
Tracklist
- 1 Taming the Dragon Start here 6:42
- 2 Luxe 5:40
- 3 You Can’t Go Back Now 5:45
- 4 The Dreamer 5:24
- 5 Elegy for Amelia E. 7:34
- 6 Sleeping Giant 6:17
- 7 Hungry Ghost 5:01
- 8 Gainsbourg 7:52
- 9 Just Call Me Nige 5:41
- 10 Sassyassed Sassafrass 5:52
- 11 Swimming 4:58
- 12 London Gloaming 4:57
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.