Brad Mehldau: Ride Into The Sun

Grammy Award-winning pianist Brad Mehldau brings his ambitious new project to Oakland's Paramount Theatre for an exclusive Bay Area performance of Ride Into The Sun, his intoxicating orchestral love letter to the late singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. This intimate conversation with the tormented genius intersperses four original compositions inspired by Smith alongside reimagined versions of Smith's songs, plus interpretations of Big Star's "Thirteen" (which Smith also covered) and Nick Drake's "Sunday," whom Mehldau sees as "sort of Smith's visionary godfather."

Mehldau's signature technique of simultaneous melodies in separate hands and his blend of jazz with classical impressionism creates the perfect canvas for this deeply personal exploration of Smith's emotionally revelatory songbook. Known for transforming pop songs through his scholarly yet accessible approach, Mehldau has spent decades proving his ability to honor source material while revealing new depths—whether reimagining Radiohead, The Beatles, or Bob Dylan.

The performance features some of the brilliant collaborators from the album, including vocalist and mandolin maestro Chris Thile, drummer Matt Chamberlain, Folk Implosion's John Davis, and singer-songwriter Blake Mills (who has recorded with Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan). Producer Dan Coleman conducts the USC Thornton Chamber Virtuosi orchestra, providing sumptuous orchestral support.

Mehldau's live performances are renowned for creating an almost supernatural sense of intimacy and time suspension. As one reviewer noted, "Brad Mehldau makes time stop still. When you hear him play, you'll discover you've forgotten to breathe." His concerts are characterized by a hushed reverence from audiences who seem reluctant to applaud and "shatter the spell," and his scholarly, introspective approach creates music that feels both intellectually stimulating and deeply emotional.

The Ride Into The Sun project represents a natural evolution for Mehldau, whose career has been defined by fearless exploration across genre boundaries. From his essential trio work with longtime collaborators to his classical crossovers and electronic experiments, he consistently demonstrates that great music transcends categorization. This Elliott Smith tribute allows him to channel his gift for finding the universal in the personal, transforming one artist's intimate songbook into a broader meditation on creativity, vulnerability, and the healing power of music.