Brad Mehldau (born August 23, 1970, Jacksonville, Florida) is an American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger widely regarded as one of the most important figures in contemporary jazz piano. He rose to prominence through his long-running Art of the Trio series on Warner Bros. and has since recorded more than forty albums as leader or co-leader, ranging from post-bop trio work to orchestral song cycles and electronic collaborations. His playing draws on jazz, classical music, and rock - he is particularly known for his interpretations of Radiohead, The Beatles, and Nick Drake alongside original compositions.
Mehldau announced four live performances of Ride into the Sun for summer 2026, featuring Chris Thile, Blake Mills, and a chamber orchestra.
Ride into the Sun was nominated for the 2026 Grammy Award for Best Alternative Jazz Album.
Ride into the Sun, Mehldau's Elliott Smith songbook album featuring Daniel Rossen and Chris Thile, was released on Nonesuch Records on August 29, 2025.
Mehldau performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on August 11, 2025, playing Elliott Smith's 'Colorbars' with Chris Thile.
Mehldau released two albums simultaneously in May 2024: After Bach II and Après Fauré, both featuring original compositions alongside works by their namesake composers.
Two jazz masters meet: Brad Mehldau and Kirill Gerstein perform at Kulturpalast Dresden.
American jazz pianist Brad Mehldau takes the stage at the renowned Alte Oper Frankfurt.
American jazz pianist Brad Mehldau performs a concert in Nuremberg.