Mehldau Releases Album With New Trio

By I Sep. 28, 2005

Brad Mehldau has replaced drummer Jorge Rossy with Jeff Ballard in his trio’s drum chair, and with bassist Larry Grenadier he released a new trio album, Day Is Done (Nonesuch), on Sept. 27.

The album features Mehldau covering the likes of Paul Simon’s “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover,” Radiohead’s “Knives Out,” the Beatles’ “Martha My Dear” and Nick Drake’s “Day Is Done,” as well as several Mehldau originals.

“After 10 very rewording years working with Jorge Rossy, I’m really pleased Jeff has decided to play with me,” Mehldau said. “Jeff is an all-around musician, but he’s also a real drummer’s drummer. He’s absorbed a lot of rhythms from different parts of the world that are fresh to my ears. Jeff also has a real refined ear and sensitivity to his approach in the trio setting that comes from years of experience as a sideman. He’s able to bring something completely new to the table on any given tune that we’re playing, yet he finds a way to blend his ideas with my existing musical identity at the same time. Jeff’s been inspiring me in my own approach as I play with him.”

The new trio will play the Village Vanguard in New York Nov. 22-27.