Nearness

Joshua Redman and Brad Mehldau’s playful spirit and deep knowledge of jazz result in some imaginative, respectful takes, as on the Parker/Harris classic “Ornithology.” By playing the familiar bebop theme on tenor sax instead of alto, Redman works new timbres into the tune, while Mehldau’s piano support is full of exciting extensions of the harmony and his solo offers glints of blues and classical counterpoint. Mehldau’s two originals, “Always August” and “Old West,” exemplify this duo’s knack for putting deep emotion into unpredictable compositions.

Nearness finds acclaimed jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman and pianist Brad Mehldau teaming up for a set of loose yet heartfelt duo performances.