In an adventurous departure from his Bill Evans stylings, Mehldau teams with producer Jon Brion for a sonic excursion that surprised more than a few. Although previously enjoying success with more traditionally-styled efforts, allowing for a bit of room to move proved to be a big hit with Mehldau's fans. There's no denying the man's talent.
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Equilibrium Matthew Shipp 2003 [Thirsty Ear]
Pianist Shipp set out to "take your mind on a trip" and succeeds. This record from Thirsty Ear's fascinating Blue Series is a superb example of what jazz electronica is all about. Synth-programming guru FLAM makes the most out of the talent on hand, which includes avant-garde bassist William Parker and vibraphonist Khan Jamal.
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These Are the Vistas The Bad Plus 2003 [Columbia]
Don't be put off by critical descriptions of this piano trio's music as "power jazz". The Bad Plus play a distinctive style of jazz that is highly creative and, at times, mesmerising. All band members contribute original compositions to the set - with covers of pop songs by Nirvana, Blondie and Aphex Twin topping things off.
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Seven Days of Falling E.S.T. 2003 [Act/215]
Despite failing to live up to their major label promotion as the next big thing in jazz, Sweden's Esbjörn Svensson Trio still has plenty to offer recording for an independent label. Svensson is a pianist capable of beautiful melodies and, while there are some pop touches evident, most of what is here is stately and graceful. Easy on the ear.
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Hiroshima: Rising From the Abyss Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra 2003 [True Life]
Best known for incorporating elements of traditional Japanese music into jazz, Akiyoshi notes that this album was inspired by a Buddhist priest from Hiroshima. As might be expected, there are some pensively reflective passages commemorating the fateful day in August 1945 when the bomb was dropped, with tenor Lew Tabackin a standout.
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Translinear Light Alice Coltrane 2004 [Impulse!]
Alice Coltrane was her legendary husband's last pianist. This record was produced by and features son Ravi, as well as Charlie Haden, Jack DeJohnette and Jeff 'Tain' Watts. Alice's playing represents a deeply complex and spiritual examination of Eastern mysticism. Despite being 26 years since her last record, there are no disappointments here.
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The Out-of-Towners Keith Jarrett Trio 2004 [ECM]
Recorded in Munich in 2001, this record maintains the consistently high standards of Jarrett's long-time trio. The album's highlight is the title track, which is basically a 20-minute history of jazz blues piano. As usual, the rest of the set consists of standards played to perfection by a band that could probably do this in their sleep.
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The Life of a Song Geri Allen 2004 [Telarc]
Pianist Allen returns to front an album after a six year hiatus, this time with Jack DeJohnette and Dave Holland rounding out the trio. A set of mostly originals, she highlights her diverse stylistic influences with covers of songs by Bud Powell, Mal Waldron and Billy Strayhorn. A record to please anyone who loves contemporary jazz piano.
