Is Places a good place to start with Brad Mehldau?

Yes, Places is recommended as a starting point for new Brad Mehldau listeners. A contemplative blend of jazz improvisation and evocative melodies that transport listeners through a series of vivid musical landscapes. Released in 2000, Places marked Brad Mehldau's artistic evolution following his acclaimed album, The Art of the Trio, Vol. 3. At this point in his career, he was establishing himself as a leading voice in modern jazz, known for his unique interpretations and compositional style. This album further solidified his ability to blend classical influences with jazz improvisation.

Places works well if you're into contemplative journeys through sound, dynamic wave-like pacing throughout and evocative atmospheres for reflection.

How many songs are on Places?

Places has 13 tracks, running approximately 69 minutes.

Places

Brad Mehldau · 2000

69 min · 13 tracks · jazz

A contemplative blend of jazz improvisation and evocative melodies that transport listeners through a series of vivid musical landscapes.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Los Angeles Start here — Opening the album, this track encapsulates the essence of Mehldau's style with its intricate piano lines that evoke the sprawling nature of the city.
→
Airport Sadness — This piece stands out for its poignant mood and reflective phrasing, capturing the melancholy often associated with travel and departure.
→
Paris — A highlight that showcases Mehldau's lyrical ability, blending rich harmonies with a sense of longing reminiscent of the romantic city it’s named after.
→
A Walk in the Park — This track features a playful yet introspective dialogue between piano and bass, illustrating Mehldau's dynamic interplay and emotional range.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong improvisational skills and thematic development, making it rewarding for repeated listens.

What we noticed

The album features a series of tracks that each explore different musical themes, with many pieces exceeding six minutes to allow for extended improvisation.
Several tracks utilize a call-and-response structure between piano and bass, creating a conversational dynamic throughout the record.
The final track is a reprise of the first, which brings the album full circle and emphasizes its thematic cohesion.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 3/10

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

contemplative journeys through sound
dynamic wave-like pacing throughout
evocative atmospheres for reflection
for quiet afternoon listening

Maybe skip if you

seeks instant gratification
prefers upbeat party vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases Mehldau's artistic evolution and received critical acclaim for its ambition.
Themes: Los Angeles landscapes· airport melancholy· Parisian longing
Career context: Released in 2000, Places marked Brad Mehldau's artistic evolution following his acclaimed album, The Art of the Trio, Vol. 3. At this point in his career, he was establishing himself as a leading voice in modern jazz, known for his unique interpretations and compositional style. This album further solidified his ability to blend classical influences with jazz improvisation.
Stylistic neighbors: Esbjörn Svensson Trio· Tigran Hamasyan· Robert Glasper