Photo courtesy of Brad Mehldau
Wonderwall, written by Noel Gallagher (Oasis) and performed by: Brad Mehldau, piano; Larry Grenadier, bass; Jeff Ballard, drums. From Brad Mehldau Trio Live, Nonesuch Records 2008.
Download the transcription: Concert Pitch
I remember the first time I heard this song. I was in the kitchen cooking and I turned on the radio to Jazz 88 FM. Brad was about a third of the way into his solo when I first tuned in. I remember that almost instantaneously I knew it was him. This was somewhat expected as once you come to know a great player’s voice it is as easily recognizable as your Mom’s. But after listening for about 10-15 seconds or so, something else happened, something that perhaps speaks more uniquely to Brad’s playing – I knew he was playing the tune “Wonderwall”. I had never ever heard this tune in a jazz context before, and the last time I heard it was probably in high school. Furthermore all of the harmonies had been thoroughly changed. But I knew, without a doubt that he was improvising on the tune Wonderwall. And when his solo ended and he came back in on the bridge I just smiled, shook my head and chuckled to myself.
