Brad Mehldau - Tom Sawyer (Official Video)

Brad Mehldau performs Rush's "Tom Sawyer," from his new album, 'Jacob's Ladder,' out now on Nonesuch Records: bradmehldau.ln...
Produced by Brad Mehldau and John Davis
Written by Alex Lifeson / Geddy Lee / Neil Peart / Pye Dubois
Chris Thile: vocals, mandolin
Brad Mehldau: Korg MS-20 synthesizer, Yamaha CP-80, Moog modular synthesizer, Emu Emulator II, Steinway C grand piano, Moog Little Phatty synthesizer, Dave Smith Prophet 08, Roland Juno 60, background vocals
Luca van den Bossche: treble voice
Mark Guiliana: drums
Joel Frahm: soprano and tenor saxophones
John Davis: drum programming
Artwork by Brad Mehldau
Video by Robert Edridge-Waks
#bradmehldau #tomsawyer #rush

[@GuitarMan22]

Two of my separate favs Rush and Brad Mehldau coming together. Interesting and unexpected

[@DeafbyDesign]

This song made me fall back in love with Rush!!! Thank you Brad!

[@jeddak]

Fantastic re-imagining. like space-rock-meets-jazz. Love this!

[@yahwehagape]

Brad, Chris, and Mark together. Thanks for this!

[@markwhelan8233]

I was listening to a late night Irish radio show and the dj played the original and it immediately segued into 'maybe as his skys are wide'....picture me eagerly listening to find out who was playing,I'd never heard of Brad until 2 days ago,it can be few and far between the times you hear something the likes of which you haven't heard before,it blew me away,I even played it to my 12 year old daughter and demanded she make a tiktok using it....I ordered the album just now,can't wait for it to come

[@CAMoore-nm2kx]

Listen to his Album Finding Gabriel, it a masterpiece.

I love Brad's rock re-imaginings

[@jayumble8390]

Me too...deep stuff!

[@kevinsage1047]

Mind blown. Amazing re-imagined version

[@davejones3187]

I love Brad's algorithmic approach to the bass line on the bridge. I'm going to love me another BM album. Thanks for doing this.

[@markaprill6501]

Jazz masters playing the synth is a the best. From Chick and Herbie to Brad and Hiromi!

[@jayumble8390]

Let's not forget Eldar!

[@i.p.knightley6970]

Rush still rules and Brad shows it.

[@TavisAllen]

I recently got into Punch Brothers, so hearing Chris' clear voice and his surprisingly distinctive mandolin in this unmistakeably Brad Mehldau take on the legitimate cornerstone of rock music that is "Tom Sawyer" is a treat!

[@dangelobenjamin]

Saw punch Brothers live this winter. The musicality is incredible

[@jgischer]

When I listen to this I hear so much of the music I grew up with, and what might have been had I stuck with music, rather than playing it safe. Not to take anything away from any of these performers, but this just seems so...right to me. It's both surprising and exactly what it is supposed to be. Music should not be frozen in amber but change with the times and technology. Bach changed with the technology, so should we.

[@drumsnbassinyoface7276]

In my opinion you have to hear Jacob’s Ladder in its entirety with original album sequencing to get an inkling of what Mehldau is after; to hear the question properly. I don’t expect answers I just hope to understand the questions behind a masterpiece like this. Blows my mind.

[@salassandoval]

Apparently, he finally agreed with his co-producer that the sequencing that is in the album is the right one 😅 or am I missing something? I saw him saying in an interview with Rick Beato.

[@asdfasdf-fg5kx]

i like how it got trippy

[@jazzphan74]

This is mint.

[@tikalsport2130]

The latest craze! What music!

[@merrywissemes]

That was surprisingly awesome. Pretty ballsy interpretation.

[@meawilliams9564]

Magnificent!!! [ After a long pandemic time, this is like a wake up call for the Spring with a fresh / dynamic energy! ]/ Thanks Brad, as always!

[@Makurahosu]

This is a one of akind has to be categorized in progressive rock. It's so cool. He did !

[@fwungy4285]

Love the Peart quotes through out.

[@veraluciapintorios5740]

EXCELENTE ❤

[@DavidFeilyMusic]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@robinlathangue5318]

Anybody else hearing Yes - "Relayer" in synthesizer and vocals? Post "Fragile" Yes, and with Rick Wakeman. Am I nuts?

[@AndyAction]

Relayer keyboardist was Patrick Moraz and yes, I hear some similar cacophonous violence in the “solo” section!

[@BradleyRyanMusic]

Wow-Wow, and Holy Fxxxxng Wow…..OutStanding

[@j1m1j3nkins5]

There's a shit ton of ways to cover a Rush song. This one is good.

[@Dalevus]

I don’t know how this doesn’t get more likes, and I don’t why my name is this

[@frankgradus9474]

a blast

[@aliensporebomb]

I wonder of Geddy and Alex have heard this yet? It's unreal!

[@axetu]

Since you can't record copyrights for profit without permission I suppose he just may have heard this

[@5take731]

wow~~ so cool~~

[@cristiangarcia1669]

This is too much for me! I love Rush since i`m a boy and really admire Brad`s work... the versión and the crew are just amazing.

[@davidgoode7416]

This is genius

[@はちみつ-y9c]

ありがとう🌟

[@Santullooficial]

Excelente versión!

[@richardconnold5207]

Well, that was a little bit of too much! I'm liking this. What Dirk and Lerxt think of it, is anyone's guess.

[@normanemerson4454]

I think they'd be pretty blown away. It would be fun to hear their opinion on it though!

[@francescobertanzetti3697]

👏👏

[@jacobtilton6924]

4:26 Is Thile quoting a wild version of a sax lick in Winter’s Frankenstein?

[@NoelRobichaud]

Wow!😍 Is that Chris Thile on Mando? OMG incredible!

[@-ky9670]

💕✨⤴️⤴️

[@stephentackett4064]

3/4 4/4 7/9 9/12 2/5...ahhh!!! I can't figure out the meter!

[@ultraparadoxical7610]

Hahah nice!

[@drummadave]

this is great...The Bad Plus also do a wild version of TS ...

[@TzadikTheManic]

Sublime interpretation of a sound~monument. Definitely attribute some of this to the visuals 🖤 Hopefully the vocals will grow on me, thus far I’m finding them a bit off/detached

[@gabinodelpasado]

so great! who's singing?

[@teocrommen]

Chris Thile

[@madeuplastname3669]

Can anyone help with the greek text at 6:45? I don't think it's lyrics from the song

[@dimitrispapadopoulos1736]

"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." Matthew 11:27

[@ReadThroughTime]

Wow, thank you for posting. Also noted the aufhebung- Hegelian term, often transalted as sublation. @@dimitrispapadopoulos1736

[@yahwehagape]

I see the Greek word for Father. Can anyone translate the rest?

[@stel6059]

"καὶ οὐδεὶς ἐπιγινώσκει τὸν Υἱὸν εἰ μὴ ὁ Πατήρ, οὐδὲ τὸν Πατέρα τις ἐπιγινώσκει εἰ μὴ ὁ Υἱὸς..." "No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son..." (Matthew 11:27)

[@yahwehagape]

@@stel6059 Thank you, cool!

[@lostsailr]

I like this but the like count is 666, can't mess with it

[@TzadikTheManic]

Faustus why do you use this spell To summon demons from the depths of hell? Dare you disturb our hellish peace? ;)

[@belldelafuente]

Sublime

[@TheodorusRex]

Would've liked an instrumental... not crazy about the vocals - but everything else is cool

[@curiousted2725]

I agree. The vocals are weak. It would have been better as an instrumental

[@danbremson9036]

YYZ could be next! Leaves the door open.

[@michelebravin2248]

Obviously I’m not discussing your personal taste. But just a kind advise: try to forget Geddy voice for a while; actually try to forget the whole Tom Sawyer as you know it. You will discover an amazing beauty in this version, voice included. On which I had the same your impression at first; after the 2nd round I started to appreciate it; right now I love it all through, final part of the song even more. Outstanding rendition imho.

[@curiousted2725]

@@michelebravin2248 I understand what you're saying. The song goes off into very interesting harmonic territory and isn't a mere "cover" of Tom Sawyer. I do appreciate that. I just don't care for the vocals.

[@jeffwolinski2659]

Agreed, Chris Thile is an absolute musical genius, but I've never been a fan of his singing voice.

[@yonickyg9719]

this is the original version. Rush just copied off of this...

[@michelebravin2248]

😁… let’s say Rush made it for us normal human beings to enjoy it. Otherwise it would belong to Gods only.

[@SolarFederate]

I’m sure John Davis is a competent professional in drum programming, but you have the spectacular Mark Giuliana on drums the rest of the album and credited on this track. Why are we using drum samples throughout then? The cut tails of the cymbals, the uniform snare sound, and the robotic feeling of it all makes it all feel so lifeless when it’s in many ways just quotations of Peart fills. If you’re going to use drum programming, make it something that is only possible because it’s drum programming. Trying to make it sound like a human COULD play it just sounds… weird. In my opinion, it actually ruins a tune that would otherwise be really fun- especially as a lifelong rush and brad mehldau fan.

[@mikrophonie5633]

Why?

[@mikewannenburg5907]

Because

[@mattyartell9575]

Why not

[@philipcullin983]

Because it’s so much fun Jan. Performing and reimagining an artist’s compositions in your own way is kind of a huge part of what musicians do… blues, jazz, classical, or any other genre.. it has always been there.

[@PedroBroggini]

Because he wants and he can. Good for us!

[@michelebravin2248]

Because … è cosa buona e giusta !

[@lucodano1045]

👎

[@PANJEAK]

Tragic interpretation :(

[@fwungy4285]

I'm responsible for 200 of the plays already.

[@marcolucchi60]

I like it. I think Brad - just like most jazz musicians do - used only what he deemed necessary of the original song to create an evolution, if you will, of Tom Sawyer. The solo part is truly brilliant. As a Rush lover, I’m positively impressed. There’s only two ways to cover a Rush song: either you do a clone of it or you explore the possibilities provided to you by the melody/chord progression. I believe Brad showed a lot of respect toward the song but still managed to make it sound fresh and contemporary (in more ways than one).

[@michelebravin2248]

I would restrict the two ways to one only. The second choice. I would always choose the original to a clone.

[@marcolucchi60]

@@michelebravin2248 You’re absolutely right.

[@jazzride]

My thoughts as well… this version is so exceptionally recreated ; Especially the solo section, if the original was a Test this version might be considered an Echo

[@graemehumfrey3955]

We miss you NP .

[@eyala]

Brad playing Rush! Two of my favorites. Mark Guiliana on drums is amazing as usual.

[@Mushroommarx]

OMG. As a progressive and fusion lover this version gave me goosebumps. The eerie middle part that he extended beautifully I can’t get enough of. Absolutely brilliant version!!

[@jayumble8390]

#10 on the album is an epic musical journey. I've also come to love track 8 (Vou Correndo). Oh, tracks 5,6 and 9 should have been left out of the album. You cut these 3 tracks and the album is one of the best recordings ever. I realize that Brad M. is doing a program concept here, but from a pure musical perspective, those 3 tunes should have stayed in the studio.

[@terryamstutz2028]

I've been listening to Rush since the beginning and enjoyed and admired their work. I've always considered them the "thinking man's rock band". I've also been of fan of Brad Mehldau (only more recently) Brad takes Rush's work, both Tom Sawer and Jacobs Ladder, to whole new levels and heights. Thinking, imaginative, brilliantly creative and thoroughly enjoyable. I was incredibly surprised by the vocals and mandolin contributions by Chris Thile (bluegrass/folk legend) - totally did not see that coming. Vocal contributions by Luca van den Bossche add a beautiful color and texture to this work. Thanks Brad et al.

[@jayumble8390]

Mehldau is our modern Mozart...yes there are still people on the Mozart level among us!!

[@narq5099]

Rush... the gift that keeps on giving!

[@menelaoeltrebol]

This version is incredible, beautiful, amazing, surprising. It exudes deep love for Rush music, like me :). Looks like Tom Sawyer is limitless in time and space!

[@basswisetelevision5315]

Incredible tribute and treatment to Rush and Tom Sawyer. Can't wait for March 18!

[@OsborneCox.69.420]

5:30 - 7:43 is stunningly beautiful. It’s like a hype track before something big!

[@michaelpirrone]

Chris getting ready to loophole his way back onto Tiny Desk again, eh?

[@danasekundiak2604]

Great cover and arrangement! Neil would love Mark’s drumming. Love it Brad.

[@mountainlakeluz]

This drumming is insane and like Neil, not humanly possible....

[@breezewayrecords8899]

SO nasty. What a delight at such a difficult time. Thank you, Mr. M.

[@michelebravin2248]

I like the NASTY applied in here. Truly. Nastily obsessed right now. I must stay away for a while 😁

[@jonjones820]

Noice. A little Massive Attack vibe 🤘

[@EricMalmstrom]

He played Subdivisions in a band? My band’s very 1st song played as freshman/ junior was “ LA VIA STRANGIATO” But we don’t hold a candle to this man. BEATO you rule!!

[@kgbusa3415]

Brilliant and want more

[@IClifeis2B]

Brad Mehldau soars the classic rock song into another dimension! Mark Guiliani's drumming is so outstanding, I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

[@jimdixon3470]

3:17 sounds for a bit like Hot Rats, though that might just come with the territory here. Good stuff throughout. The vocal kind of makes me want to hear a full-blown harmonized version a la Brian Wilson for some reason.

[@themastroiannis]

ok...but the drums sound sooooo compressed is almost unbearable...

[@odannyob]

The accompanying video befits the music so strategically, it's a true equation. Of what? But a fun one.

[@lalligood]

Well done! Was it just me or did the vocals almost sound like the brilliant Steven Wilson at times?! Also, I loved how the solo section was turned on its head then followed with the sax solo. This was a beautiful tribute! Thank you.

[@breezewayrecords8899]

YES!! I thought the same thing

[@BrianKrock]

I thought this, too!

[@ScottatHouseonaHill]

I know Chris Thile's voice and mandolin anywhere.

[@anusha8085]

Same!! It was such a pleasant surprise to find him here

[@joaquincarvajal498]

I love when the song have someone singing because I feel a lot of different thing and hear this piano i dont knok i feel in other dimention

[@roca0887]

This is to blow your mind!!! 🤯 the video, 🤔 what interpretation can be given? what a great way to play!!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@dannycomellas]

Today's Jeopardy J!6 brought me here. I didn't know this existed until then. This is fantastic!

[@TheSharkey22]

Reminds me too much of the bad cover versions used in modern ads although I quite like the part at 2:10 where it drifts towards a very Floyd-esque, On the Run type vibe.

[@chegadesuade]

One of the most pleasing, heart warming and beautiful jazz interpretations I've ever heard

[@dangelobenjamin]

This is kind of atonal? Avant-garde to say the least. Who was Tom Sawyer anyway?

[@f.b.1311]

lol?

[@musiccentral1996]

There version of the “guitar solo” 👌

[@immrnoidall]

This is the only cover of this song I've ever heard.

[@chutch15]

Check out Death Organ‘s version. Heavy Hammond instrumental. Quite cool.

[@EverythingBrahms]

"In 1981, the first summer after we moved to West Hartford, my family was on vacation visiting my grandfather on our annual trip to his farm in Ottawa, Ohio. That's when I heard Rush's “Tom Sawyer” for the first time. No his mind is not for rent To any god or government He knows changes aren't permanent But change is It was just starting to hit the radio. My dad and I were driving to the grocery store in Toledo and it came on in the car. It rocked hard, so I was in there right away - I related that hardness to AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Van Halen, who were all in my ear already. But it was completely different. There was some different kind of harmony going on. I wouldn't have been able to specifically articulate what was special about it, but it was dreamy. “Tom Sawyer” was Dream Music of a different order: it was in the dream, but just at the moment before waking, when everything collides together and time congeals back into an awakened state. I got lucky and we heard it again in the car, on the way back from the shopping. I heard that it was a band called Rush, from their new record, Moving Pictures, and I was hooked. I couldn't stop thinking about that song for the rest of the vacation and every time we went in the car I would try to find it on the radio. With “Tom Sawyer,” Rush gave me an unapologetic Cain-figure: a badassed kid around my age, recast into their song. And, although I didn’t grasp the lyrics right away, they also pushed open a door of political awareness, just a crack. Rush’s brand of Ayn Randian individuality made an impression. In high school, characters like Howard Roark from her novel Fountainhead, or John Gault from Atlas Shrugged were further Cain models." -Brad Mehldau, p.71

[@StefanEngler-rb8lu]

Whoa!

[@flamencodiablo007]

monstrous!!!

[@westernartifact580]

Fun

[@lorenzotanzariello2386]

Il ritorno del Fenomeno!!!

[@hubbsllc]

Me gusta.

[@paquetmuriel59]

2 grands musiciens A chaque fois C est vraiment du lourd Merci 😘

[@kenhaynes942]

Freaking amazing!! No words

[@delbertgrady413]

Where's 'The Three Stooges' intro..

[@camilovsky227]

This insane... and epic.

[@christianmonturanoii6539]

🎶

[@jbpverdan]

Baterista Excelente!!!

[@bluetrane65]

Oh this is good

[@CristobalSanhuezaMusic]

jisuss 🤯

[@tdries]

Bitchin'

[@florentcassa5784]

Vivement le 18 Mars !!!!!

[@elisavieira737]

❤️