She doesn’t, therefore you can’t
With thanks to the emailer who pointed me in the right direction, read:
Brad Mehldau and Renee Fleming, “Love Sublime” (Nonesuch). I’m torn here. I adore Renee Fleming’s singing, I admire Brad Mehldau’s jazz piano playing, and, since I was a teenager, I had great faith in the Nonesuch label. But I’m not sure who would enjoy this dark, dull venture. The texts Mehldau has set to music, some by Rainer Maria Rilke, can be moving, and I think I like what he’s trying to do. And the accompaniments, which reflect a variety of jazz and classical song influences, can sound interesting. Unfortunately the heavy, abstract melodies aren’t very creative or inviting. Sometimes, jumping erratically around, they become actively annoying. There’s a lot to admire academically, I’m sure, in this earnest, well-meaning effort. But I can’t figure out who would want to listen to it. Review: 2 stars (Mary Kunz Goldman)
“I’m not sure who would enjoy this dark, dull venture.” “…I can’t figure out who would want to listen to it.” Why? Because it’s academically good, can sound interesting, but because MKG didn’t like it, she can’t imagine anyone liking it.
Now obviously, a great part of reviewing is subjective. However, none of the other short-take record reviews in yesterday’s News were as personalized as MKG’s. She’s intimidated by the scary, dark music, therefore everyone should be.
In other news, Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians have a new record out and Jeff Miers gives it 3 1/2 stars out of 4. I used to love that group back in the early 90s.
Therefore, all of you must love that group, or refuse at your peril.
