The Korea Herald

지나쌤

Brad Mehldau to bring unique sound to Seoul

By Lee Woo-young

Published : June 28, 2012 - 18:56

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American jazz pianist Brad Mehldau will hold a concert in Seoul next month as part of his world tour for a trio album released earlier this year.

The acclaimed jazz pianist will perform at Yonsei University on July 25 with two other artists, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard, both of whom worked with Mehldau on the album “Ode.”

Mehldau has been hailed as one of the greatest jazz pianists with his unique combination of jazz, classical and spontaneous improvisation.
Jazz pianist Brad Mehldau (right) poses with his trio members, drummer Jeff Ballard (left) and bassist Larry Grenadier. (Private Curve) Jazz pianist Brad Mehldau (right) poses with his trio members, drummer Jeff Ballard (left) and bassist Larry Grenadier. (Private Curve)

Mehldau is also known as an artist with extensive and consistent recordings and performances, as well as his trio format which he began in 1997 with the album “The Art of the Trio.”

He has released five albums in the trio series. He also worked as a soloist and a collaborator with other famous jazz greats including guitarist Pat Metheny and saxophonist Wayne Shorter.

In 2010, Mehldau became the first jazz artist to hold the prestigious Richard and Barbara Deb Composer’s Chair for the 2010-2011 season at Carnegie Hall.

His musical talent was recognized when he won the Berklee College of Music’s Best All-Around Musician Award in high school. He studied jazz at New York’s New School under acclaimed jazz artists including Kenny Werner and Jimmy Cobb.

Mehldau began his career as a supporting pianist in Cobb’s band. He later played and recorded with the Joshua Redman Quartet before forming his own trio in 1994 and recording his first album “Introducing Brad Mehldau” in 1995. For more information on the show, call (02) 563-0595.

By Lee Woo-young  (wylee@heraldcorp.com)