Joshua Redman / Brad Mehldau / Christian McBride / Brian Blade – LongGone
Four Modern Jazz Masters • Nonesuch Records • 2022
Few contemporary jazz groups can boast a line-up quite like this.
On LongGone, saxophonist Joshua Redman reunites with three of the most acclaimed jazz musicians of their generation: pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade. Four musicians with remarkable individual careers, but with a musical connection that stretches back decades.
The quartet originally came together in the 1990s, before each member went on to become a major figure in modern jazz. Their reunion resulted in RoundAgain in 2020, followed by LongGone in 2022.
All six compositions on LongGone were written by Redman, and the music sits beautifully between sophisticated post-bop and wonderfully natural quartet interplay. There is plenty of technical brilliance here, but never at the expense of swing, melody or atmosphere. Redman’s tenor and soprano saxophone move effortlessly around Mehldau’s distinctive piano playing, while McBride and Blade form an exceptional rhythm section.
The title track “Long Gone”, the playful “Disco Ears”, the lyrical “Statuesque” and “Ship to Shore” are particular highlights, while “Rejoice” closes the album with the quartet captured live.
This is also a particularly attractive vinyl edition for the serious jazz listener. Pressed by the highly regarded Record Industry in the Netherlands, the lacquer was cut at Sterling Sound by Joe Nino-Hernes (JN-H) and the album was mastered by legendary engineer Greg Calbi.
The result is a recording ideally suited to vinyl: spacious, dynamic and intimate, with plenty of room around the four instruments.
Personnel:
Joshua Redman – tenor & soprano saxophone
Brad Mehldau – piano
Christian McBride – bass
Brian Blade – drums
Edition details:
Nonesuch Records • 075597910018 • Worldwide pressing • 2022 • Pressed at Record Industry • Lacquer cut at Sterling Sound • Mastered by Greg Calbi
Condition: Vinyl M / Sleeve M
A superb modern jazz recording featuring four musicians at the absolute top of their game – highly recommended for listeners of contemporary jazz as well as collectors of beautifully produced jazz vinyl.