Largo

Released in 2002, Largo represents a radical pivot in Brad Mehldau's discography, moving away from the 'Art of the Trio' series toward a more experimental, production-heavy aesthetic. Collaborating with producer Jon Brion, Mehldau utilized studio techniques more common in alternative pop, including tape saturation, chamber-classical orchestration, and the use of prepared piano (often using putty or felt to dampen strings). The album is notable for its eclectic tracklist, featuring expansive covers of Radiohead's 'Paranoid Android' and The Beatles' 'Dear Prudence,' alongside original compositions that incorporate breakbeats and electronic textures. Critics at the time, including those from The Guardian and JazzTimes, noted the 'sinister' and 'cerebral' nature of the work, praising its willingness to engage with 'sonic exotica' while maintaining Mehldau's signature polyphonic complexity. It stands as a landmark of 21st-century jazz for its successful integration of non-jazz rhythmic sensibilities and high-concept studio craft.