Thank you for taking the time to read this. This is addressed not just to my fellow Americans, but perhaps more urgently, to my friends and listeners around the world, everywhere.
For those of you who viewed the meeting between the president and vice-president of the United States and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, I want to make clear the position that I, and many other Americans take. We are horrified. We are horrified because we sense that we are witnessing the leadership of our country turn away from the support of liberty and freedom. Most immediately, I mean freedom for the Ukrainian citizens to have their own sovereign state. As well, though: we value the shared legacy of this freedom with our allies in the European democracies to the west of Ukraine. Furthermore: we are in solidarity with the cause of liberty for everyone, everywhere. This has not changed, and for us, this will not change.
Watch: Brad Mehldau Trio Performs on ARTE From Nancy Jazz Pulsations
When Brad and his Trio – Felix Moseholm on bass and Jorge Rossy on drums – performed at the Nancy Opera in France for the Nancy Jazz Pulsations festival this past October, ARTE was there to capture the concert.
"Brad Mehldau is without a doubt one of the most influential jazz pianists of recent decades," ARTE says in translation from the French. "What sets him apart is not only his sophisticated borrowings from pop or classical music. What makes Brad Mehldau truly unique is his playing, constantly constructed in contrapuntal mode, where his hands engage in intimate dialogues or engage in passionate exchanges. By integrating the art of fugue into improvisation, the American pianist perpetuates the musical legacy of Bach, a tutelary figure frequently mentioned by the artist."
I’m very excited to give news of two releases on Nonesuch Records today: Après Fauré and After Bach II. These are both solo piano projects, and both engage in the music of those respective composers. Après Fauré includes four of Fauré’s Nocturnes for piano, alongside four pieces of my own which are inspired by his musical vision.
After Bach II continues from my previous record After Bach, with more music of my own, written or improvised, interspersed with Bach’s keyboard music. The liner notes for these records can be found here, and sheet music for my compositions can be found here. I will have the opportunity to perform these programs in some concerts coming up in the future, so please keep a look out on my tour schedule if you’re inclined.
Thank you for your interest! All the best, Brad
After Bach II & Après Fauré (Unboxing)
Brad’s Nonesuch Selects
Brad Mehldau stops by for the 'Nonesuch Selects' video series, in which artists visit the Nonesuch office, pick some of their favorite albums from the music library, and share a few words on their choices. Opening music: Brad's 'Between Bach,' from his 2024 album After Bach II.
The Brad Mehldau Interview with Rick Beato
Hi everyone, hope you are all well out there! Rick Beato, whom I’m sure many of you know, invited me for an interview in his studio and we got to talk shop. I’ve been a fan of Rick’s videos for a while now, and it was great fun to sit with him and wonk out a bit. Here it is if you’re interested…
– Brad