Brad Mehldau: River Man (trio version, 2000)

Brad Mehldau has made no secret of his affinity for the singer-songwriter Nick Drake and of his tune River Man in particular. The version Mehldaus trio recorded at the Village Vanguard during a three-night stand in 2000 can make ones hair stand on end. Drakes chord progression makes the change from minor to major (to turn a phrase on its head), allowing for an unexpected release of tension in the songs chorus. Larry Grenadiers bass and Mehldaus left hand stay fairly true to what Drake composed as the soloing gets under way, but Mehldaus right hand breaks free of its tether. Seven minutes into the piece, you realize no one is hanging onto the melody any longer but still you feel its there. Pay attention; this is a remarkable piece of work. Mehldaus trio has synthesized the lessons of its forebears specifically those of Messrs. Evans and Jarrett and finds its own voice in doing so, as this performance evinces.