Reviews of new releases,
both from our area and around the world

Joshua Redman Timeless Tales Three Stars * * *

The session opens with an arrangement of "Summertime" done in a loose 7/4 feel (much like his pianist Brad Mehldau treated "It Might As Well Be Spring" on his own debut CD). This piece sets the tone for the CD, which is very laid back and introspective. Continuing on, he presents a beautiful version of Stevie Wonder’s "Visions". The piano-bass unisons are particularly nice. Something that adds a sense of continuity to this album is the use of interludes. For example, to get from "Yesterdays" to the lovely Joni Mitchell tune "I Had A King", Mehldau enchants us with a short solo piano vignette. You will hardly notice the program change.

The Coltrane-like "Eleanor Rigby", done in the spirit of "My Favorite Things", finds the band at its blowing best. I wish there were more moments like this! Several times the album drags, falling victim to its own sense of exploration. Tracks like the Bob Dylan "The Times They Area A-Changin'" and "It Might As Well Be Spring" could have been omitted at no great loss.

The group Redman employs here is a composite of his own bands and the band Mehldau uses. San Francisco bassist Larry Grenadier is fast becoming one of jazz’s most sought after musicians. The same goes for drummer Brian Blade. Pianist Brad Mehldau is already a star, and rightfully so. His approach, a combination of Jarrett and Herbie, has been criticized for being too introspective – borderline noodley. But often he’s so burning that you have to fall back in awe. We will see great things from this guy.

I give Timeless Tales 3 stars. It's an interesting record with some great playing.