Brad Mehldau - Highway Rider

2010 two CD release from the Jazz pianist. Eight years ago, Mehldau and Los Angeles-based producer Jon Brion collaborated on the groundbreaking Largo album. Highway Rider reunites Mehldau with Brion in an even more ambitious setting, with a broader instrumental palette. This two-disc, 15-track song cycle was written, orchestrated, and arranged by Mehldau and features his long-time rhythm section of drummer Jeff Ballard and bassist Larry Grenadier, along with old friends drummer Matt Chamberlain and saxophonist Joshua Redman as well as a chamber orchestra conducted by Dan Coleman. Highway Rider reflects Mehldau's recent experience writing long-form pieces, including the Carnegie Hall-commissioned Love Songs for mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter.

1) John Boy
2) Don't Be Sad
3) At the Tollbooth
4) Highway Rider
5) The Falcon Will Fly Again
6) Now You Must Climb Alone
7) Walking the Peak
8) We'll Cross the River Together
9) Capriccio
10) Sky Turning Grey [For Elliot Smith]
11) Into the City
12) Old West
13) Come with Me
14) Always Departing
15) Always Returning