The set opened with a dynamic rendition of the jazz standard "Time after Time" that lasted for nearly 30 minutes. Mehldau was ultimately restrained during the piece; there were intense moments, but, overall, subtlety ruled in this exploration of the jazz standard. Nothing really made the audience go wild here, yet it was the variation and understated dynamics that sustained the piece for as long as it went.
One of the more striking moments during the show was the trio's take on a Radiohead song, which opened with a particularly effective bass solo by Larry Grenadier. Indeed, Grenadier's solo on "Time after Time," and his intro to the Radiohead tune were highlights of the performance. Both Grenadier and Rossy gave firm support to Mehldau's extended improvisations, while Rossy served up a few short, tasteful drum solos.
Along with the standards and the Radiohead cover, the trio played several, as yet unnamed, originals. They did not shy away from exploring unmapped territory in front of a live audience, which was refreshing to see. The one ballad of the night, "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face," found Mehldau playing with quiet, minimalist lyricism and sensitivity.
Mehldau's impeccable technique, which comes from his strong background in classical music, did not fully emerge until his introduction to the last tune of the night, another standard, "Alone Together." The intro at certain points sounded almost like a Bach fugue, as Mehldau weaved together complex, fast melodies with both hands at the same time.
The set, overall, was not as intense as some of the ones heard on "The Art of the Trio" albums, which were recorded live at the Village Vanguard in New York. Where the records are often over-indulgent, the set at the Inn House was sensitive and balanced. Mehldau didn't overwhelm the audience with his technical prowess; the music, for the most part, was accessible (despite some overly lengthy moments).
Many critics have compared Mehldau's playing to that of jazz piano legend Bill Evans, a comparison which I feel is only apt to a certain extent. You can hear the influence, but it is clear that Mehldau is still exploring, still working on developing his own style. Several times during the course of the evening, Mehldau drew on his own signature technique of playing strong melodies in the left hand while playing a repeated rhythmic figure in the right hand. On some of the tunes in this performance I heard more of Thelonious Monk than Evans, as Mehldau played often with fragmented lines and odd, disjointed rhythms.
As a cohesive unit, the trio was very strong. The mix of jazz standards with the Radiohead tune and the band's originals kept the playing varied and interesting. Mehldau continues to shine as one of the preeminent artists on the scene today.