Pianist Brad Mehldau's Highway Rider (Nonesuch), an opus of magnificent ambition, became available on Tuesday, March 16th. The album, which was produced by the individualist Jon Brion, uses broad orchestral sweeps over pop music floorboards, and features saxophonist Joshua Redman. It is Mehldau and Brion's second collaboration. The success of Largo, which came out in 2002, in addition to Mehldau's great stature as jazz innovator, has caused a considerable amount of anticipation for Highway Rider's release. Nate Chinen recently shed light on the duo's concept and process in the New York Times.

I liked Largo for its contemplative mood and rainy day textures. From the little of Highway Rider I've heard so far, it is headed for a similar climate, but gets cluttered en route. This is especially the case when Redman plays. He seems lost among the thicket of strings, not sure of the role he is meant to play. There's a weight of timidity and restriction.

With that said, I'll admit that I haven't heard the album enough to have really formed a complete impression, and if I come to a different conclusion after becoming more familiar with it, I'll share my thoughts here.

Image Courtesy of Nonesuch Records

Ornette Coleman, creator of harmolodics, and a founding father of the avant-garde jazz movement, turns 80 years old today, March 9th, 2010.

Peter Hum at the Ottawa Citizen gathers musings on the iconic saxophonist by a handful of jazz greats. Howard Mandel at Jazz Beyond Jazz also reflects on Coleman's career, and points out that despite its exploration of untrod earth, his music was rooted in the blues.

Image © Juan-Carlos Hernandez

Growing up in Brooklyn, pianist Randy Weston developed an early career as an R & B sideman. After a mentorship with Thelonious Monk, he became known for his bebop playing. Then, inspired by trips to Africa, elements of traditional and popular African styles crept into his music. At nearly 84 years old, Weston is still toying with the fusion of these genres.

Later this year, Weston's autobiography, African Rhythms (written with help from Willard Jenkins at The Independent Ear), will be published by Duke University Press.

Image Courtesy of Mosaic Select Records

Sonny Rollins was named the 51st recipient of the Edward MacDowell Medal, an award given annually to an artist who has contributed greatly to his field. Rollins will be the first jazz musician to receive the medal, whose list of recipients includes Leonard Bernstein, Georgia O'Keefe, John Updike, and Merce Cunningham.

The award will be presented on August 15th, 2010, at the MacDowell Artist Colony in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Jazz writer Gary Giddins, who was on the committee that selected Rollins, will introduce Rollins, and speak about his career at the ceremony. The following month, on September 7th, Rollins will turn 80 years old.

Image © Juan Carlos Hernandez