This is one of the most beautiful, intelligent, and profound albums it's been my privilege to hear in a very long time. It is as dense and cerebral as the writings of Mann, yet immediately accessible as well. Read the lengthy essay by Mehldau, an artistic and spiritual manifesto no less fascinating than the music itself. I buy dozens of CDs every month, and most of them get only one or two listenings, but this one is destined to be in my CD player many, many times. A treasure.