Brad Mehldau

Singer Gwyneth Herbert has proved herself an insightful commentator on the recordings of fellow vocalists on Jazz Library, but in this week's programme she shares her enthusiasm for the pianist Brad Mehldau, who is one of the most challenging and innovative of contemporary jazz players. With a repertoire ranging from Broadway songs to the works of contemporary rock players, his music seldom stands still. He is a romantic player in the grand tradition of Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett, but also a fearless experimenter with time, and musical structure.

Gwyneth Herbert joins Alyn Shipton to pick Mehldau's finest recordings, as a soloist, with his trio and with the bands of Lee Konitz and Charles Lloyd.

Brad Mehldau performs at the 2010 London Jazz Festival.