Nonesuch Records presents Brad Mehldau’s heartfelt tribute album Ride into the Sun, a songbook project dedicated to the music of the late singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. A masterful blend of jazz interpretation and chamber sensibility, the album features Mehldau’s piano at the center of a rich sonic tapestry that includes guest performances by Daniel Rossen (Grizzly Bear) on guitar and vocals, Chris Thile (Punch Brothers, Nickel Creek) on mandolin and vocals, and a chamber orchestra conducted by Dan Coleman. The ensemble is rounded out by bassists Felix Moseholm and John Davis, drummer Matt Chamberlain (Fiona Apple, Tori Amos), and Davis also served as engineer and mixer. The album includes 10 reimagined Elliott Smith songs, four original compositions by Mehldau inspired by Smith’s work, a cover of Big Star’s ‘Thirteen’—a song Smith famously covered—and Nick Drake’s ‘Sunday,’ an artist Mehldau considers a visionary influence on Smith.

• Artist: Brad Mehldau
• Label: Nonesuch
• Genre: Jazz
• Featuring: Daniel Rossen, Chris Thile, Matt Chamberlain, Dan Coleman, Felix Moseholm, John Davis

• Audio: Stereo

Brad Mehldau is one of the most acclaimed jazz pianists and composers of his generation, known for his lyrical improvisation, genre-blurring compositions, and deep engagement with both jazz and classical traditions. His work spans solo piano, trio recordings, orchestral collaborations, and songbook projects that reinterpret rock and pop songwriters through a jazz lens.