Elan Mehler - Renee Said (2026) [Hi-Res]

This ambitious recording balances eight originals with two covers of Paul Motian and Frank Kimbrough, capturing a completely unique band in full creative flight.

“This is the record I am most proud of,” Mehler says. “What a gift to be able to work with these musicians in this setting. What life they bring to this music. Pinch me.” (Elan Mehler)

Recorded at EastSide Sound in New York on February 3–4, 2025 with engineers Marc Urselli and Rocky Russo, Renee Said presents eight Mehler originals by alongside two deeply meaningful covers: Paul Motian’s “Byablue” and Frank Kimbrough’s “Quickening.” Both tributes resonate personally with the band — several members worked extensively with Motian and Kimbrough, making the performances as much homage as living continuation of their spirit.

The originals reflect Mehler’s compositional breadth, from the delicate lyricism of the title track and the mysterious expanse of “White Cloud’s Dark Sky” to the turbulent energy of “The Violence of Reason.” Together, the set creates a journey of mood and texture — music that thrives on openness and collective expression, performed by a band that listens as intently as it plays.

Renee Said stands as the third release in the Newvelle Ten Collection, a landmark series celebrating the label’s tenth anniversary. Each album in the series features original artwork by internationally acclaimed artist Ragnar Kjartansson, reinforcing Newvelle’s mission of pairing exceptional music with striking visual art.

Elan Mehler,piano
Loren Stillman, alto saxophone
Scott Robinson, tenor saxophone
Ben Monder, guitar
Tony Scherr, bass
Matt Wilson, drums
Francisco Mela, drums

Tracklist:
01-01 Elan Mehler - Renee Said [5:11]
01-02 Elan Mehler - Byablue [3:58]
01-03 Elan Mehler - Dani’s Fortress [4:05]
01-04 Elan Mehler - White Cloud’s Dark Sky [3:58]
01-05 Elan Mehler - Wolf Orchard [2:51]
01-06 Elan Mehler - Yonder Waters [5:10]
01-07 Elan Mehler - Quickening [4:52]
01-08 Elan Mehler - The Violence of Reason [4:45]
01-09 Elan Mehler - Tilt [5:05]
01-10 Elan Mehler - I Should Have Prayed for Rain (Digital Only) [4:18]
01-11 Elan Mehler - Shmoon (Digital Only) [6:18]
01-12 Elan Mehler - Bloodcount (Digital Only) [4:05]