When Brad announced that he was set to release a double-disc album in 2010, fans could not help but clasp their hands in excitement. After all, they would get longer performances, enabling them to immerse themselves even more in the works of this great pianist. And on 16th March, this announcement came to fruition, taking listeners on a journey they would live to remember.
Exploring the Album – A Journey Awaits
People often talk about traveling on long roads in search of something. But rather than talk about it, Brad took his fans on a metaphorical and literal journey where he explored various concepts. The entire album is set such that each track takes the fans through a section of the journey, adding to the complexity and diversity of the tracks. This connection also influences the emotional depth of the music as fans come to terms with the emotions that come with any journey, from anxiety to excitement, fear, and gloom.
So thoughtful was the arrangement that by the end, fans could truly say that they, too, had been on a journey.
With a double album, fans got to enjoy 15 songs, with the following standing out the most:
- Highway Rider: As the main track, this song, which is fourth in the first disc, focuses on the feeling of being on a long journey. Brad walked his listeners through the fear of the unknown, the feelings that come with change, the joy of being on the move, and all other emotions that people experience on similar journeys.
- Don’t Be Sad: While the main expectation when journeying is excitement for what lies ahead, there’s no denying that some sadness comes into play. After all, you are leaving another world behind, which this track explores, taking you down a melancholy-filled path.
- Sky Turning Grey: Grief is a journey with many twists and turns. You never know what’s waiting for you at the next stage, as is so well conveyed in this song. It is a tribute to Elliot Smith, a remarkable singer-songwriter who shaped many lives and careers over time. From the message in the song, fans can feel just what a big gap remains after someone loses a loved one, and those who have been through this loss can resonate.
- We’ll Cross the River Together: Journeys are much easier when we have people walking with us. This song takes fans through a different aspect of the journey, highlighting the hope of what lies ahead and the beauty of support as we go through life. As the starting track in the second disc, it refuels listeners as they gear up for the second phase of the journey.
- Always Returning: As Brad completes this incredibly moving album, he talks about the cycles in life and how people always find their way back home. It is the perfect way to end what has truly been an emotional journey.
The messaging in the album focuses on the cycles of travel, self-reflection, and how time and space have huge impacts on our lives. These are profound yet highly relatable topics, which is why the songs were a hit from the minute fans got a first listen.
Laying a Solid Musical Foundatio
What makes a good album? Is it the naming? Might it be the messages in the songs? Well, it comes down to everything. While Brad Mehldau may have figured out the path he wanted for his album, he also had to ensure he made the right decisions in the following areas:
- His team. Brad did not work alone. Yes, he composed all the music. But when it came down to it, he focused on what he does best – the piano, pump organ, and polyphonic analog synthesizer. He then delegated drums to Jeff Ballard and put Larry Grenadier on bass – these two are part of the Mehldau trio and are integral to Brad’s success. But with such a big project, he had to bring in more help. So, he collaborated with Matt Chamberlain, Joshua Redman, and a chamber orchestra that Dan Coleman headed. And together, this team made magic.
- His concept. It’s one thing to talk about a journey. It is another to actually help your fans conceptualize the journey and take it with you. Brad focused on the latter, painting a vivid picture of the various stages of the journey and the emotions that were rife at each point. Not only did this give the music more meaning, but it also engaged the audience more, enabling him to connect with his fans in an incredible way.
- His style. As always, Brad did not stick to one musical genre. By incorporating various musical instruments and an orchestra, he moved from jazz to other musical genres, creating a versatile yet rich listening experience that is the signature of his musical career. And thanks to his collaborations, he imparted musical complexity to his tracks.
Conclusion
Brad’s compositions captured human emotions in a simple yet sophisticated manner that was just the right balance for a great hit. So, it was unsurprising when the album received critical acclaim for its emotional depth.