Mehliana: Taming the Dragon

Released in 2014 on Nonesuch, Mehliana: Taming the Dragon represents a significant stylistic pivot for Brad Mehldau, moving away from the acoustic piano trio format that defined his career. A collaboration with drummer Mark Guiliana, the album is a masterclass in 'live' electronic music, utilizing vintage synths (Moog, Prophet-5) and Fender Rhodes to create a sound heavily influenced by 70s fusion and 90s IDM. The recording is notable for Mehldau's ambidextrous performance, often playing bass lines on one synth while soloing on another. Critical reception was overwhelmingly positive, with AllMusic praising its 'jagged yet accessible' nature and The Guardian highlighting the 'drum-machine remorselessness' of Guiliana's playing. The track 'Sleeping Giant' earned a Grammy nomination for Best Improvised Jazz Solo, cementing the album's status as a serious contribution to the jazz canon despite its electronic trappings. It stands as a landmark in the 'nu jazz' movement, proving that electronic textures can support the highest level of improvisational rigor.