Brad Mehldau: When It Rains

On Largo, Brad Mehldau moves away from his preferred piano trio format. The aptly titled When It Rains begins with a pensive piano introduction, quietly augmented by an octet of woodwinds. Mehldaus droning left-hand triplets behind the melody recall those days where the incessant patter of gentle rain becomes a sobering rhythmic accompaniment to the days activities. Mehldaus playing is bittersweethis mood is lonesome and melancholic, but his phrases end with a sense of optimism, leaving listeners touched and surprisingly uplifted. Mehldaus solo reprise of the introduction is a fitting conclusion to a convincing piece of stark emotion.