Music Review: 'Places'

Brad Mehldau is an ever-rising star and world citizen, and his latest, Places, celebrates various ports of call. Moving, moody originals honor cities and transition zones (the wistful ”Airport Sadness”). He ventures from ”Los Angeles” to nearby ”29 Palms” (the roiling 5/4 workout is no relation to the Robert Plant tune), Madrid, Perugia, and beyond. Always, his compelling blend of lyricism and muscularity affirms his role as a gentle giant of jazz piano. A-