Artist Brad Mehldau Trio

Brad Mehldau is as protean and virtuosic as any of jazz's more legendary pianists, and he has the distinct advantage of being alive. Since the mid-’90s, Mehldau's sets have included an intriguing blend of standards, originals, and contemporary covers, more than a few of which address Radiohead, Oasis, and Soundgarden. Sometimes that's gimmicky; usually, it's not. Mehldau's trio, which includes Jeff Ballard on drums and Larry Grenadier on bass, builds upon that harmonic Bill Evans model, though the new double-disc Highway Rider sees Mehldau playing with orchestration, adding sax and strings to the mix with help from pop producer/film composer Jon Brion.

Updated 03/24/2010