Is Where Do You Start a good place to start with Brad Mehldau?

Yes, Where Do You Start is recommended as a starting point for new Brad Mehldau listeners. A contemplative blend of jazz standards and original compositions showcasing intricate melodies and subtle improvisations. When 'Where Do You Start' was released in 2012, Brad Mehldau was already an established figure in the jazz scene, known for his unique interpretations and innovative style. This album followed his acclaimed works like 'Highway Rider' (2010) and marked a continued exploration of lyrical depth within jazz, featuring both classic and contemporary pieces.

Who is Where Do You Start for?

Where Do You Start works well if you're into reflective moments of improvisation, dynamic exploration through melodies and patient unfolding with emotional depth.

How many songs are on Where Do You Start?

Where Do You Start has 11 tracks, running approximately 78 minutes.

Where Do You Start

Brad Mehldau · 2012

78 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A contemplative blend of jazz standards and original compositions showcasing intricate melodies and subtle improvisations.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Got Me Wrong Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Hey Joe — Mehldau's rendition of this classic transforms it into a slow-burning meditation, highlighting his emotive touch on the piano while maintaining the song's raw intensity.
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Time Has Told Me — This track offers a poignant interpretation of Nick Drake's original, with Mehldau weaving intricate harmonies that evoke a deep sense of nostalgia.
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Where Do You Start? — The title track encapsulates the album’s essence with its introspective melody and heartfelt phrasing, showcasing Mehldau's lyrical prowess as a pianist.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends standards with original works, showcasing strong melodies and improvisation while maintaining a cohesive flow.

What we noticed

Several tracks include extended improvisational sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes rather than adhering strictly to written material.
The sequencing alternates between more upbeat pieces and contemplative ballads, creating a dynamic flow throughout the record.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

reflective moments of improvisation
dynamic exploration through melodies
patient unfolding with emotional depth
ideal for late-night reflections
engaging soundscapes for focus

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Showcases Mehldau's blend of jazz standards and originals, appealing to dedicated fans.
Themes: slow-burning meditation· introspective melodies· poignant nostalgia
Career context: When 'Where Do You Start' was released in 2012, Brad Mehldau was already an established figure in the jazz scene, known for his unique interpretations and innovative style. This album followed his acclaimed works like 'Highway Rider' (2010) and marked a continued exploration of lyrical depth within jazz, featuring both classic and contemporary pieces.
Stylistic neighbors: Esbjörn Svensson Trio· Tigran Hamasyan· Robert Glasper