Friday, April 25, 2008

"LIVE," JAZZ PIANIST Brad Mehldau's new CD, should keep even die-hards content for a long time. Recorded at Manhattan's Village Vanguard in 2006, the two-disc release comprises 2 1/2 hours of performances, with Mehldau, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard playing originals and a familiar mix of jazz pop and rock, including anthems by Oasis and Soundgarden.

The tune choices aren't surprising. Mehldau's eclectic tastes are well-known. But there are plenty of unexpected accents, contours and tangents. They include the trio's recasting of Noel Gallagher's "Wonderwall," adding a percussive, Ahmad Jamal-like trio groove; Chris Cornell's "Black Hole Sun," which contrasts shimmering balladry with kinetic interplay; and John Coltrane's "Countdown," the album's often exhilarating 15-minute coda.

Granted, Mehldau doesn't always sound quite sure where he's going, especially when his jabbing two-handed attack creates restless tension. But the risks ultimately pay off with imaginative, expansive and harmonically probing performances. The generous playing time also allows room for inventive interpretations of classic pop ballads, including "The Very Thought of You," and a chance for Ballard, who joined the group three years ago, to shine in subdued and fully charged settings.

-- Mike Joyce

Appearing Wednesday at the Barns at Wolf Trap (877-965-3872,http://www.wolftrap.org). Show starts at 8.