The Brad Mehldau/Rick Beato Interview

[@CWBella]

One of the best things about Rick Beato is how he's introducing his initial rock 'n' roll audience to all these incredible jazz players.

[@jochimquantz-p9l]

Agreed! And on top of that he's also a huge admirer of Bach, who no musician could possibly ignore!

[@arize84]

It was from him I gained an appreciation for Bud Powell

[@martinpaddle]

I really got into jazz through Rick Beato...

[@edwardjons8684]

Rick used to have a lot more jazz on his show when he started the channel, and taught a lot more theory often based around jazz. If anything he’s gone the other way - more pop nd rock, less jazz. I recall him saying a year or two ago that his jazz analyses werent getting enough views. These interviews are awesome though.

[@RBC2_]

True, but I wish he covers more jazz material.

[@bruceraisner5822]

This was not an interview. It was a master class. And it was brilliant.

[@rdctd8690]

Honestly, Rick's interviews are some of the very best videos to have ever been on KZbin. Every one of them have fascinating nuggets of information, and the fact that Rick genuinely knows music leads to the best possible questions that a musician could ask, being asked of these legendary figures. Growing up I devoured as many interviews I could from magazines and the like to learn from these icons, but the interviewers were generally not professional musicians, so they ask about everything but the music. They're such a treat.

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

I find them to be some of the worst. He uses these people as content generation, because drawing a bunch of modes on a whiteboard to confuse people into thinking his courses were worth buying stopped brining in the traffic.

[@rdctd8690]

@earnttoday5295 I don't know about that to be honest. I don't watch Rick's general videos unless he's talking about something unusual (ie, I don't care for lists of "greatest intros" or what's in the charts), but I know he tries to sell his books/courses quite regularly - which I have no problem with (a man needs a living and he has a product to sell) and it means we get feature length interviews with people we otherwise wouldn't hear as much from. Like how many people have a platform where they can get the likes of Pat Metheny to sit down for near two hours to talk about music? They aren't going to be with us forever, and I'm very grateful for what Rick does by providing something no one else is. There's a bunch of really great interviews from shows like the Dick Cavett Show from back when musicians would be had on as a talk-show guest, not just an act and they would frequently have interesting discussions, but that's all long dead in the past. Rick's brought that back in a way, just in a longer, though less frequent, format. It's obviously content generation, but these interviews in particular are not cheap, throwaway garbage like most.

[@danoloane]

This is fantastic content, guys. Was not a Beato fan till I realized how much he loved and was influenced by Keith Jarrett. I can’t believe the people he’s been interviewing over the past couple of years- and he does very good work. So do you!

[@Dee-x9f]

As a novice musician, but a huge jazz and rock fan, I learned so much from Rick's interview with Brad. Really enlightening-one of his best!

[@saxxroboto3763]

Hearing Brad call Chris Potter a monster just makes me smile. Both of them are monster musicians. Both my favorite on their instruments.

[@mikehawk2148]

Hell yeah, killer Dear Prudence jam in the beginning

[@bluecrueful]

Electric bass player here. About a thousand years ago 1993 (?), I had the temerity to sit in at the jam session with a friend of mine (a guitarist) at the (now defunct) West End Gate where Brad was the house pianist. I think I called a mid tempo F Blues ( maybe it was "Straight, No Chaser" in F). I got some vibes for bringing an electric bass to the bandstand ( not from Brad however, but some of the others who were on the gig). At that time, In the jazz world, there was a real conservatism about mixing electric instruments in a more traditional context. Brad had that same sort of laconic but serious demeanor. Anyway, I survived, but the whole thing was a blur. His piano playing was frighteningly good, and I am sure the experience, playing with all these accomplished MFs made me sound better than I was.

[@patrickdowd4868]

Every time I start one of these I think "When are Adam and Peter going to do a duo album?"

[@JoelDubay]

Literally who gives a flying fuck? These guys just rip off everybody else's content and try to make money from it. Next they'll be ripping off other peoples music, and everybody will stand up and cheer.

[@Djamieson713]

are you okay? @@JoelDubay

[@JoelDubay]

@@Djamieson713 I’m OK when people create their own content and don’t rip off everybody else in their attempts to make money, or rack up, clicks and likes. How about you? Are you ripping off everybody else’s content? Something tells me you are…

[@LebronJames-jr7is]

@@JoelDubayfull of hate

[@pastafarian2046]

Just want to note my appreciation for the production value of the wide shot, lovin it!

[@xanderlewis]

Would be nice to have it in 4K as well!

[@PeterWetherill]

I started watching Rick's videos way back in the What Makes This Song Great era. Very good, then he started more interviews and wow. He is the best interviewer. He lets them talk and doesn't interrupt them and try to go in his own direction like so many other interviewers do. I already watched the Brad interview and discovered him in the late 90s even though I am a trombone player! Thanks for posting!

[@ninjaguy1995]

I once asked Jeff Ballard in a masterclass something about different people he played with. I don't remember the exact question I asked..in any case he emphasize how nobody changed his playing more than Brad, in the sense that Brad was so present that Jeff felt nothing he played wasn't picked up on and in that sense his sensitivity to the music had to be turned up because anything that came from him would somehow change the music more drastically with other groups. I found that very interesting. Obviously not that everything needs to be reacted upon but the very idea that part of Brad's uniqueness is this unwavering focus and presence.

[@jakubstojak8540]

Brad at Open Studio please!

[@indigosnow_]

Loved the playing in the intro. So good

[@philipkraus9852]

is that in the original key?

[@poldidak]

I kept waiting for you to mention Geoff Keezer in your list influential pianists of the past 30 years. I first met Geoff at a jazz camp when he was in junior high, and even then we knew great things were ahead for him. He is a competent chameleon of a keyboardist, from his straight ahead bebop chops to playing with Sting.

[@LiamHaleMusic]

I came here for discussion of the Rick Beato video but this random piano playing at the beginning is way awesome enough for me to stay!

[@worblyhead996]

Dear Prudence is a drop D tuning (DADGBE) on guitar

[@edzielinski]

Great complement to the Beato interview and incredibly fun and interesting listening to your thoughts on Brad and the music. One thing that really hit home for me here is that we are all at different points in our musical journey, from day to day and year to year, so it's important that we have an influx of information on a steady basis. There are times when we're ready for certain things and not ready for others, and there are formative times that we may never experience in the same way again, and every once in a while, things line up and the light goes on, and we're forever changed, perhaps a little perhaps a lot. Once again, the concept of listening actively and being fully engaged is front and center. The greats had just OK skills at some point before they skyrocketed and shot past all of us (and usually quite early), but one thing that we can be sure of is that they extracted a lot more information from what they heard and saw than the average person. Where the average person experienced "vanilla, chocolate, strawberry" they heard "Creamy vanilla, with a smooth milky texture, chocolate with a hint of roasted cocoa bean and hint of walnut, strawberry, sweet and syrupy ..." - you get the idea. They are also able to break down complex things and capture the underlying and implied structures and systematize things, whether it is conscious or not. Bottom line - listening is a skill that you can continue to develop throughout life but be on the lookout for those special moments that might pass you by if you're not fully engaged, and actively listening!

[@jochimquantz-p9l]

A well written truth! Lucky for us jazz musicians are typically humble, so they rarely scare off people when talking about it!!

[@pianoman_JP]

Truth!

[@drstrange629]

“Jazz Harmony bedtime story” so accurate!!

[@JohnColerMusic]

That ascending 6th line into the motif was crushing. 1:41

[@DndndjJehee]

That intro is beautiful

[@GizzyDillespee]

I only discovered Mehldau a couple years before the pandemic, which seems like, how was that even possible? That's like saying I avoided the raindrops in a hurricane - it stretches credulity. Not sure what happened , there. I think "playing piano like a guitar" is a generational thing - people of that age grew up when the guitar was the star, and it was much easier to make your guitar playing sound "real", versus piano (or especially vs electronic keyboard at that point in technology). And so you'd want to bring that feeling of realness to the keyboard as well, which means you play it like you'd play a guitar. Maybe you could go back to Joni Mitchell, even though she played guitar, for inspiring many pianists. And Keith Jarret, and Elton John and Bilky Joel, and Tori Amos of course, but I'm suggesting that guitar players who played pianistically were huge influences too. Obviously jazz pianists like Monk, Evans, Jamal etc, but Gen X was also inluenced by "world music" such as mbira playing, and popular music like Faith No More or grunge guitar, and Mehldau mentioned Elliot Smith, during the interview. I think there was a lot more egalitarian parallel development, rather than a linear lineage, and the term "greatest" is for the algorithm's benefit, rather than for people, is what I'm trying to say. 🤣That's funny... did he just say mixamodian?... What scale is are you in? Mixamodian.🤣 If that's NOT what he said... IDC, I'll be, uh... "interpolating" that comment. Have a good one!

[@geocosmicvalentine]

I thought he said “Mix-O-lodian” instead of Mixolydian. And there you have it. I now have a raging case of verbal satiation. 😂😅🤣👍🏽

[@rickhood]

Mehldau/Beato -- best music interview ever! Why? Because they both know SO much! Loved the part about Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds -- what Brad was thinking as he worked on it -- the Hey Joe stuff also. Noting also how many are into Bach (Pat Metheny: "compared to Bach we all suck"). Listen to the WTF Bach interview of Brad also. Glasper still my fav cuz love neo soul, but bit of a toss up with Brad. Yes "influential" is way better than "greatest" -- there is no "greatest". Hey do you two play Bach, or did you at some point?

[@sean4630]

Now I have to watch the interview... Anyone else feel like they could have listened to another half hour of Peter and Adam breaking this down?

[@adamrafferty]

Looks like Brooklyn in the background 🙂

[@marshac1479]

Rick is the best. He can interview just about anyone these days. Just waiting for Jimmy Page, McCartney and Fagin!

[@marshac1479]

@jazzgal5631 Not sure about that seeing as he has interviewed legends like Chuck Rainey, Bernard Purdey, Victor Wooten, Ron Carter and George Benson as well as doing a piece on Oscar Peterson and most recently Willow. He's a massive jazz fan but I'm not sure how many subscribers are. Remember he interviews artists whose music he likes hence his output.

[@shanjayaweera3036]

Stunning opening guys - Dear Prudence - You most certainly came out to play!

[@klccmd]

I think the title was designed to hook guitarists (most of Rick's audience) who have never heard of Brad...I am one them. Great interview!

[@mrcneale]

Seriously meta stuff, watching a podcast...but on KZbin, about an interview with 2 legends - one being hailed as the Greatest Jazz Pianist of our generation, talking about the history of how John Coltrane's music evolved. Part history lesson, part review, part commentary. Whatever it was...we need more of it! GALA

[@SisterAbdullahX]

Had to laugh at what some of my friends said about Rick, recently. “Rick Beatto invented a whole new beat before beat 1”, and “Apparently, the Beatto Book is mentioned in those cave paintings in northern France”😂

[@brutusalwaysminded]

Yeah, it’s one of many good ones on his channel. In addition the cerebral discussion Mehldau’s body language was interesting to watch.

[@JonFrumTheFirst]

I was wondering how they'd treat Rick. For a guy who spent years teaching Led Zeppelin and Rush tunes to kids, he had both the love and the background knowledge to do right by jazz giants. Who else is bringing Ron Carter to death metal snobs? He's at exactly the right place to bring jazz to the people, and deserves a lot of credit for being willing to stretch his own audience of shredders into new places.

[@Dee-x9f]

"Who else is bringing Ron Carter to death metal snobs?" Love this! And, so true.

[@michaelbeardmore5943]

I'd love to hear your input on the style and compositions of Hiromi Uehara!

[@MichailAlexandrosAntonakopoulo]

People like Jesus Molina are great, but Brad is on a complete different level

[@maxmilianmusic]

I always listen on Spotify but wow this set is gorgeous

[@christophegragnic8681]

7:22 Not only chords that rather come from the guitar but open strings!

[@tiluriso]

8:30 - I agree that the 'most influential pianist' is a better and much more objectively accurate descriptor of Brad Mehldau's playing than 'best' (which is rather subjective). 11:33 - Elew is a great pianist indeed,I only got acquainted w/ his music in the past couple of years, thanks to Smalls LIVE stream.

[@therealrussellsmyth]

Have to say , I think Rick Beato entitled the video v accurately. As well as influence , his level of musical depth is way way beyond

[@surf_thermals]

Is that Taylor?? Lol... awesome!

[@jalexkeys6650]

Awesome work, I love this podcast

[@jrmilesmusic]

Shoutout Peter for the Tracksmith beanie 😎

[@billr.2210]

Wow you guys sound great

[@BoWadeOnDrums]

Good morning 🤩🤙

[@guitarlaurence]

Thought it was When it Rains at the start

[@tabor503]

I relate to this as a Hip-Hop musician being influenced by those 3-5 years older than me growing up.

[@IvanValienteGoogle]

GONZALO!!! ❤❤❤

[@cashglobe]

Considering the fact that Peter and Brad have basically the same birthday, I think that title is debatable ;)

[@David-xy9my]

Peter did seem to not exactly want to concede the point :)

[@philipkraus9852]

could anyone find the chord voicing adam plays at the beginning of the intro? would be a great help to transcribing the rest of it :)

[@pobrecitoshame]

I’d love to see Rick interview #ConnieHan and ask her about Mehldau.😂🤣😂

[@mwesterholm]

Christopher Holiday! "HAD TO BE BRAD."

[@matteobarbatelli]

What’s the opening tune you play every episode going into the main discussion after the intro please?

[@maloneycraig]

Emotion in motion. It’s Peter’s tune from one of his albums.

[@ChromatophoneNature]

It is such a great interview, but let’s not give too much credit to Brad for creating piano arrangements of popular guitar based songs. Ramsey Lewis for instance was doing this decades earlier.

[@tonyperiphoto]

The interview with Brad is a masterclass on music. I'm glad you guys positively referenced Wynton Marsalis too because there is this implied reference to him in a number of interviews by Beato's guests that he is a jazz snob. That part of the interview is interesting. And ive heard you guys cringe at using the term jazz. But to me jazz is black folk music ( that all can play and enjoy). But to dismiss it as being a snob is dismissing black American culture. In the end though, music speaks for itself. You'll hear it!

[@JimBaker-ks4io]

Sally - Gino Vannelli

[@ikeruriarte8669]

A rhythm challenge: Adam improvises phrasing 5 eight notes in his solo and Peter plays a solo with eight notes. 😂😂😂😂

[@Bruce.-Wayne]

Oh yeah.....you'll hear it...

[@Iconicjoe256]

Can you guys do a Brian Culbertson react

[@dizmix]

What in the Cleveland Ohio is going on with this back drop???

[@fezzypepper8525]

For as hard as you guys tried, you couldn't drop your elitist demeanor when commenting on Rick Beato. Still, I commend your efforts! What a lot of jazz artists fail to understand is that when converting every musical attempt into a math problem, it often loses its melodic appeal. Best

[@chiptrimble]

Dear Prudence.

[@yltcraxe]

I actually specifically critiqed the title. Im not sure if you can moderate KZbin comments but i dont see it anymore. My issue is that I doubt Brad would want that to be the title. It could sort of embarrass you, as I'm sure there are other peers and colleagues and such that he doesn't want to be declared definitively "greater" than.

[@jacobseymour7221]

The whole thing of jazz players playing Beatles and Neil Young and other covers is fascinating to me. It's so out of left field. When you're learning jazz you digest the language of the greats. At what point do you say ok, that's enough Giant Steps, let's play some Rush.

[@CookieCurls]

We don’t live in a vacuum, we love other genres and songs too. Jazz is first and foremost about personal expression. Plus it’s just plain fun to reharmonize and reimagine non-Jazz songs. A lot of rock songs are great foundations upon which to build on top of. Just wait until you find the jazz *NSYNC covers 😅

[@DanielBarberMusic]

@@CookieCurlsAbsolutely. A lot of tunes that have become standards were basically pop songs originally, from movie soundtracks, etc. The jazz part is the soloing, the reharms, as you say, the personal expression, not the song form.

[@ayoungethan]

​@@DanielBarberMusic I was just going to say this. So much of what we consider "sacred jazz standards" today were pop music serving as a sort of foundation and canvas for further experimentation, arranging, exploration, improvisation, extension, etc. If you want to compose a jazz standard, compose a musically interesting song that becomes super popular and then wait a few decades?

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Has Rick Beato interviewed Adam and Peter? Or does he need to practice it in all 12 keys first?

[@DanielBarberMusic]

😂

[@alexanderednie1205]

Please add a “bespoke” counter to your videos

[@alphaomega6062]

Won't you come out to play rockin' a Joni T!?

[@brucesstreet8204]

Love open string stuff on guitar - the instrument really sings. Not keen on Beato white board theory - 1 hr on chromatic mediants and even he got confused!

[@patzimmusic]

"the greatest jazz pianist of our generation"...I might be a bit biased but I think both of y'all could also hold that title

[@GizzyDillespee]

That's a vestigial symptom from back in the Rick "the Click" Beatobait... which is better now than it was back in his Oh-face phase of thumbnail algorithmic appeasement. But despite the clickbait titles (and he seems to have gone back and updated many of the thumbnails🤣), the interviews are good. And his old music theory vids, from before he was big time, are excellent resources. People forget about that stuff, but it's his core competency, and that helps with his interviews too.

[@paulwhetstone0473]

Your opening selection is too damn repetitive.

[@DanielBarberMusic]

sheesh, did somebody piss in your wheaties?

[@JoelDubay]

Look at these two guys… Ripping off everybody else's content so they can pretend to make their own out of it. This is called "repurposing" peoples content. It's the same thing as stealing their content and trying to make money from it. Don't listen to these people. Go to the sourcedon't let these people rip off everybody else

[@sportsmediaamerica]

But IS Mehldau the "greatest jazz pianist of our generation"? Seems dubious.

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

Rick Beato is a waste. Just likes confusing noobs with whiteboards full of modes. So they can tell him how genius he is.