A popular meme pictures a man at a table displaying a sign with a provocative statement followed by the words “change my mind.” Were I inclined to share social media posts of that nature, my version would proclaim “Brad Mehldau and Christian McBride are the best musicians alive.”
The duo’s recital at Muriel Kauffman Theatre on Thursday, October 10, indicated the pianist and bassist perform at a markedly higher level than everyone else. An audience of more than 400 were on hand for the magnificent display of genius. (I paid $43.50 for the least expensive ticket.)
In spite of his explorations of other genres, McBride is a traditionalist at heart. Mehldau catered to McBride’s conservative inclinations on interpretations of works by Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Burt Bacharach and Jule Styne.
McBride’s monumental solo reading of “Fly Me to the Moon” was countered by Mehldau’s unaccompanied rendition of Fred McDowell’s “Jesus on the Mainline.” Mehldau also got to be Mehldau in an exquisite take on his composition “Love is Fragile” that included a distressed allusion to “America the Beautiful.”
The balance of contrasting styles was perfect. Having recently read his autobiography, I know Mehldau loves playing standards. Of the three times I’ve seen Mehldau and the seven times I’ve caught McBride, neither giant has sounded better. Change my mind.