A collaboration between famous pianist Brad Mehldau and drummer/percussionist Mark Guiliana has been waiting to happen for years. The idea: Mehldau behind a Fender Rhodes and an arsenal of synthesizers, Mark Guiliana on drums and a series of effects. But due to intensive tour plans on the part of both Brad Mehldau (with his now famous trio) as well as Mark Guiliana (see: Gretchen Parlato, Avishai Cohen and Dhafer Youssef), it took until late ’11 before this became a reality. The artistic verdict: ‘impressive’ - so much so that Mehldau and Guiliana now cross the Atlantic to tour too.

Expect “a completely free form performance, with no set compositions”. Nonetheless, without Mehldau’s harmonic and melodic qualities ever getting pushed into the background or Guillana’s virtuoso percussion disappearing in overzealous improvisation. Basically: “two of the world’s most refreshing instrumentalists humanizing live electronic music with improvisation and deft ability.” It has been noted.

MEHLIANA featuring Brad Mehldau and Mark Guiliana 06.06.12 Stone, NYC from Brad Mehldau Music on Vimeo.

Program Notes