Gary Poster, with essential assists from Galyn Norwood, Phiroon Phihakendr, Jose Quijada, Pavandeep Kalra. My giant goes with me wherever I go. There are other giants who walk alongside Mehldau, whose work is informed by both jazz and classical composers. And, evoking Chopin, Mehldau's best work has a kind of pristine, romantic beauty.
Places is the opposite of a travel guide.
He was out to capture not the region in question but the feelings of nostalgia he invariably had upon his departure. The album comprises both solo piano tracks and performances by the Mehldau trio, with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jorge Rossy. Both of Mehldau's sidemen provide solid supporting work, enriching his ideas without distracting from them, grounding his virtuosic playing without slowing him up too much. Mehldau has startling command of both hands, offering up melody and countermelody simultaneously, forcefully and thoughtfully. When he's playing, you can be sure he has a firm grasp of the song.