Jazz Library

Before his death in 2007, Esbjörn Svensson was regarded as the leading pianist in European jazz. His trio (EST) topped the Swedish charts and appeared on MTV. His appeal was broad enough to reach audiences of every age, and his repertoire stretched from dazzling interpretations of jazz standards by the likes of Thelonious Monk to quirky originals, such as his "Dodge the Dodo" which combined drum 'n' bass ideas with languid jazz balladry. In this programme, John L Walters of the Guardian joins Alyn Shipton to pick the high points of Svensson's recording career.

Best known as the leader of the fusion bands Tempest and Colosseum, drummer Jon Hiseman's career in jazz covers almost all styles and genres. He talks to Alyn Shipton about a catalogue of recordings that includes free jazz trios with Mike Taylor, big bands, his own groups including Colosseum, and his work with his wife Barbara Thompson in Paraphernalia and the United Jazz and Rock Ensemble.

Phineas Newborn Jr. was one of the finest pianists in jazz history, but his short career was dogged by physical and mental illness and he is now a somewhat obscure figure. In the wake of several recent reissues of Newborn's work, Brian Priestley joins Alyn Shipton to pick the highlights and to reappraise this largely forgotten genius of the piano.

In an archive interview with Alyn Shipton and Geoffrey Smith, the late Johnny Griffin selects his favourite records.

The tenor saxophonist was one of the most technically brilliant and audacious soloists in jazz. He died in 2008, but a year or two earlier, he joined Alyn Shipton and Geoffrey Smith in conversation at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival to discuss his personal favourites from his extensive catalogue of recordings.

John Taylor is one of the finest and most influential pianists in British jazz. He joins Alyn Shipton in front of an audience at the 2011 Cheltenham Jazz Festival to discuss his recorded catalogue, including his early collaborations with Kenny Wheeler and Norma Winstone, work with John Surman, and his own trios and duos, including a disc with legendary bassist Charlie Haden.

Bobby Wellins joins Alyn Shipton at the Oxford Jazz Festival to select his key recordings.

The Glasgow-born saxophonist achieved stardom for his solo on Starless and Bible Black in Stan Tracey's Under Milk Wood. In conversation with Alyn Shipton at the Oxford Jazz Festival he discusses many other highlights from his recordings.

Composer and saxophonist John Altman joins Alyn Shipton to pick the best records by saxophonist Al Cohn. As well as his solos albums and his lengthy association with fellow tenorist Zoot Sims, the programme covers Cohn's work with Joe Newman and Freddie Green, and as an arranger for Gerry Mulligan's Concert Jazz Band.

Alton Purnell was born on 16 April 1911, and to celebrate his centenary, Mike Pointon joins Alyn Shipton to pick the best records by the New Orleans pianist.

The programme covers his work with Bunk Johnson and George Lewis, his own records, and later recordings with Jimmy Archey and with the Legends of Jazz. Both Pointon and Shipton played with Purnell on his UK tours, so this edition of Jazz Library includes some shared insights into his musical world.

Guitarist Mike Stern has been a major figure in jazz fusion throughout his career. In this programme he traces some of his principal associations and picks some of his own best recordings in conversation with Alyn Shipton at the Sage Gateshead, as part of the 2011 Jazz Festival there. The music ranges from his work with Miles Davis and the Brecker Brothers to his long association with saxophonist Bob Berg.

Saxophonist Joe Lovano is one of the most versatile soloists in jazz. In conversation with Alyn Shipton in front of an audience at the 2011 Gateshead International Jazz festival he discusses some of his finest records, from duos with Hank Jones to a range of trios, and from there to octets and his current group Us Five. He also discusses his compositions and work with large ensembles such as his Symphonica project.