Pianist Brad Melhdaus versions of Radiohead songs are by no means his crowning achievement, but for non-jazz experts, theyre the easiest entry point into his music. Songs like Exit Music (For a Film) or Knives Out have enough harmonic and rhythmic complexity to make the transition to jazz seem almost natural, but Melhdaus world-class technical prowess (his penchant for playing a distinct melody simultaneously with each hand recalls some bizarro post-bop version of Bach) takes them in a new direction without losing emotional depth. Of course, Melhdau also performs standards as well as his own original material, but regardless of what he plays at this solo concert, it will be a performance from one of the most talented pianists in contemporary jazz. ANDREW GOSPE
Fri., Oct. 21, 8 p.m., 2011
