QUARTET - METHENY MEHLDAU
Recorded in the same all-originals sessions as last October’s triumphant “Metheny Mehldau” collaborative debut from guitarist Pat Metheny and pianist Brad Mehldau, “Quartet” picks up where the first disc left off, albeit on a slightly quieter note. While M/M No. 1 focused on the duo chemistry of the co-leaders (only two of 10 tracks featured Mehldau’s trio teammates, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard), the new set tips the scales in favor of the foursome (seven of 11). Again, simpatico chemistry is on exhibit as Metheny and Mehldau converse with intuitive sensitivity on such passionate dialogues as “Long Before,” “So Much Music in the Air” and “Sound of Water,” the last of which an impressionistic beauty graced by Metheny’s 42-string guitar. Highlights include the easy-going, oblique “Santa Cruz Slacker” and “Toward the Light,” charged with Metheny’s synth guitar dynamics and a surging rhythmic chug in the midsection. Billboard
