Brad Mehldau's 'Suite: April 2020' is a poignant and introspective jazz album, released on 12 June 2020 via Nonesuch. This 40-minute masterpiece is a deeply personal and emotional journey, with a thoughtfully curated tracklist that takes the listener through a range of emotions and experiences. From the gentle awakening of 'I. waking up' to the soothing 'XII. lullaby', Mehldau's masterful storytelling weaves a narrative that is both deeply relatable and profoundly moving.
The album's themes of introspection and contemplation are perfectly captured in tracks such as 'III. keeping distance' and 'VI. uncertainty', which speak to the anxieties and doubts of our modern world. Meanwhile, the inclusion of covers such as 'Don't Let It Bring You Down', 'New York State of Mind', and 'Look for the Silver Lining' adds a touch of nostalgia and timelessness to the record.
Throughout 'Suite: April 2020', Mehldau's signature jazz sensibilities shine through, with intricate melodies and harmonies that showcase his remarkable skill as a composer and performer. The result is an album that is at once a powerful exploration of the human experience and a testament to Mehldau's status as one of the most innovative and compelling jazz artists of his generation.