The Bebop Shop : Current Events: New Jazz and Beyond : Brad Mehldau
As Mehldau says, Suite: April 2020 is a musical snapshot of life the last month in the world in which weve all found ourselves. Ive tried to portray on the piano some experiences and feelings that are both new and common to many of us. In keeping distance, for example, I traced the experience of two people social distancing, represented by the left and right handhow they are unnaturally drawn apart, yet remain linked in some unexplainable, and perhaps illuminating way. As difficult as COVID-19 has been for many of us, there have been moments of revelation along the way. stopping, listening: hearing highlights that moment as well.
Ive pointed to some of the strong feelings that have arisen the past month or more: remembering before all this expresses a bittersweet gut-pain that has hit me several times out of the blue, when I think back on how things were even just a few months ago, and how long ago and far away that seems now; uncertainty hits on the feeling that can follow right after thata hollow fear of an unknown future, he continues.
Theres also been a welcome opportunity to connect more deeply with my family than we ever have, because of the abundant time and close proximity. The last three pieces hit on that connectionthe harmony we find with each other, making meals together or just horsing around. Lullaby is for everyone who might find it hard to sleep now. (Nonesuch Records) Price: £13.99
Heavyweight 140-gram high-performance vinyl. Price: £29.99