Unfortunate production casts a shadow on an otherwise great work.
3
By The David M
The musicianship in this album is amazing. This is some of the tightest drumming I've heard in a long time, and the musicians play off of each other extremely well. Not only that, but the strings are a great addition to the typical piano/bass/drum combo.
The composition is also incredible, with Mehldau delving into writing for a full chamber orchestra. This album truly tells a story, to the point that one might be tempted to call Highway Rider a concept album.
Nevertheless, the recording quality of this album distracts far too much from the story the album is trying to tell. The saxophone is presented far too forward, as is evidenced by the song John Boy, where the first appearance of the saxophone is extremely overpowering. What should be blending into the overall ensemble instead sticks out as a very pronounced couple of "honks". It appears as though the gain on the sax mic on that song is turned up far too much.
While this problem seems to be rectified somewhat later on in the album, first impressions are hard to overcome, and I find myself cringing at the beginning of the album every time.
Ultimately, this is an excellent ensemble that could be improved greatly by a simple remaster, which I'm hoping might be done at some point in the future. I'd probably repurchase should a better mix be accomplished.
It grows on you...
5
By DrumsNWhistles
...and finishes like a splendid wine.
There is nothing conventional about this album. It's jarring and dissonant, but never leaves the listener hanging. Every thought is finished; every instrument firmly in its place. It's rare to find a work like this. I find it drawing me back in for another listen with full attention, and there is something in the melancholy strains that suggests hope even inside sadness.
I bought this on a whim, and it's probably my top album for 2010. Nothing else compares.
Superb and Fresh
5
By apeville
It has taken several weeks to really learn to appreciate the full depth, genius and beauty of this record. It was worth the wait.
Take some time with this one- it could be your favorite jazz record this year.
another great album by brad..happy to hear it....
5
By Tearsff
another great album by brad..happy to hear it....
Highway Rider
1
By Ms Jules
I love Brad Mehldau with his trio, and Pat Metheny, but this album isn't my favorite. Had to delete half the songs, because they just weren't very pleasant to listen to. Some nice moments, but mostly disappointing.
Wow.. Again
5
By BFunk1
Sooo Brad Mehldau never ceases to amaze me. It is very cool to see the progression of his music since his Art of the Trio, Vol. I album. This is a great CD, somewhat chill, but this is "high art" jazz music. Brad has to be one of the most spontaneous voices out there right now, along w/ Kurt Rosenwinkel. BTW - Joshua Redman is a guest on this album & does some great work as well. What a versatile musician he is. A great album that blends not only jazz, but contemporary classical elements too....
one of the best "jazz" albums i am aware of
5
By Shed Till I'm Dead
I am not one to say "this is the single greatest jazz album" or anything of the sort, i don't like speaking in absolutes. I would even say that calling this jazz is a stretch, but there is still a lot of improvisation. However, this whole album is great. I really cannot praise it enough, for all the emotional playing, cunning and daring arrangements, and great production. The arrangements bring late composers like Debussy, Stravinsky, and Bartok to mind, without mimicking them. Brads melodies all tug at the heartstrings, all singable, never too intellectual. THE ONLY THING I DON'T LIKE ABOUT THIS ALBUM IS REDMANS NOODLING. Sometimes it really takes away from the mood, although i definitely tip my hat to his performance on "don't be sad". He really hits it then. the album as a whole still gets Five Stars for me, the strings rub me the right way, brads playing is always original and tasteful. GET THIS ALBUM
Incredible musical maturity
5
By uncle.toby
Mehldau's compositions and improvisations seem to be completely interchangeable at this point in his career. Some of these tracks have very little piano, or no piano solo, but it is still unmistakably Brad Mehldau (with a hint of Jon Brion). In my opinion, this album is what his career has been leading up to. Maybe not in terms of musical direction, nobody could really say what's to come, but his approach to music seems to be neatly wrapped up in the music presented here.
In addition, I find the production outstanding and very interesting. It does not sound like your typical jazz album. Sax solos panned to one side, very audible room reflections on horns, and a host of other things that really draw my ear to various voices. Nothing is ever buried in the mix--everything is treated as if it has equal importance.
Too bad for those of you expecting something different, but that's not the fault of the artist. This is a brilliant album.
Highway Rider - BEST ALBUM I'VE HEARD IN A WHILE!
5
By bodhinoveralls
Wow! Sensational. I heard bits of this album on NPR last week and had to get it right away. The writing is so touching, the playing so passionate. I really like Joshua Redman's solos when he's got this orchestra behind him going in and out of melody, getting dissonant and coming back in, and there's Redman's sax just sailing on top of it. I love the second tune "Don't Be Sad." I find it so endearing and emotional. I've been listening to it while I ride my bike through San Francisco on my way to work and I can't get the melody out of my head. "We'll Cross the River Together" is another stand out track that sounds like you were an astro-orphan of the clouds. Jeff Ballard's drumming is pretty sick throughout too. Great group of musicians! I love this album!
not what I expected...
1
By Mr. H.
and not really very interesting either...some nice moments, but was hoping for more.
