Art Of The Trio Vol.1, The - Brad Mehldau

Advantages: Hauntingly beautiful and curiously accessible traditional kto music from Japan
Disadvantages: It might make you want to buy the next two volumes!

...? Being a unique experience to most Westerners (after all how much traditional Japanese/Chinese music do you hear over the course of the average year?) I don't see this as a problem. Surely it has a certain benefit as it places the listener in a situation where they are listening to (and hopefully enjoying) almost contextual music. In other words, we have to start somewhere and because a standard is a standard does not mean that it is music that is denigrated in any way. Just think of jazz and blues, music which exists to a great extent on the idea of standards, and these standards are often explored such that two versions seem entirely different pieces from one another. I believe this is called artistry. Thus, in this case what I believe is so wonderful about the Art of Koto vol.1 is that unlike some albums there is no smudge of sound... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: a true avant garde jazz trio
Disadvantages: maybe too avant garde in some instances

...When we talk about modern jazz piano trios names like brad mehldau and esbjorn svensson quickly emerge to our minds. But no matter how good the former musicians and their trios are, nevertheless they still have a strong influence by artists like bill evans, keith jarrett and even Chick Corea. In the case of the Bad plus however, we can talk about a new powerful almost punk attitude towards piano trios. Imagine the virtuosity of jazz musicians combined with avant grade innovation and high volumed tunes, all combind in one. The original compositions sound so fresh, with all the rhythmic and harmonic complexity combined in a unique way. Trashy beats and excellent piano unisons create a some kind of trancedental atmosphere. And how about a cover of Nirvana's "smells like teen spirit" for jazz trio? Really interesting.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: A good mix of songs
Disadvantages: Doesnt help you get through the housework

...A cd thats a couple of years old now but still fun to listen to. I mean this cd says its meant to help you through the housework but I personally dont think it really does,if anything it distracts you,because you just start singing along to all the great tracks this album has to offer, you get caught up in the music and completely lose track of what you were doing - maybe a good thing in a way :-) Housework vol 1 is a double album that has some cracking songs that you just dont seem to hear on the radio anymore such as The Beach Boys - Help Me Rhonda and Don McLeans - American Pie. The songs on this album just make you feel good and really help to lift your spirits,but I honestly think its marketed wrong,this is a feel good album for anyone just not people doing the housework.I dont think the title of the album really represents... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful