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This two-disc, 15-track song cycle was written, orchestrated, and arranged by Mehldau and features his long-time rhythm section of drummer Jeff Ballard and bassist Larry Grenadier, along with old friends drummer Matt Chamberlain and saxophonist Joshua Redman as well as a chamber orchestra conducted by Dan Coleman. Highway Rider reflects Mehldau's recent experience writing long-form pieces, including the Carnegie Hall-commissioned Love Songs for mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter.
Mehldau does leave ample space for improvisation, though, eliciting some particularly exciting performances from Redman on tenor sax as he solos with the entire orchestra behind him.
Highway Rider is often breathtaking in its sweep, contrasting the intimacy of Mehldau's contemplative solo work with large-scale, purely orchestral pieces There's gravitas in this work, but also subtle humor and playfulness. Mehldau and Brion have a unique chemistry as artist and producer. The rigor of Mehldau's writing is matched by its musical and emotional immediacy; the atmosphere of these sessions, held in February and May of 2009 at Ocean Way studio in Los Angeles, is as exhilarating for the listener as for all the musicians evolved.
Condition:NEW.
TRACK LISTING
Disc 1
1 John Boy 3:15
2 Don't Be Sad 8:40
3 At the Tollbooth 1:07
4 Highway Rider 7:45
5 The Falcon Will Fly Again 8:21
6 Now You Must Climb Alone 4:05
7 Walking the Peak 8:00
Disc 2
1 We'll Cross the River Together 12:28
2 Capriccio 5:20
3 Sky Turning Grey For Elliot Smith 6:24
4 Into the City 7:36
5 Old West 8:28
6 Come With Me 6:19
7 Always Departing 6:20
8 Always Returning 9:52
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