Nonesuch Records releases saxophonist Joshua Redman's Walking Shadows, comprising 12 ballads, is Redman's first recording to include an orchestral ensemble, which plays on many of the tracks. It was produced by Redman's friend and frequent collaborator Brad Mehldau. The record's core ensemble is a quartet featuring Mehldau, Larry Grenadier, and Brian Blade all frequent collaborators of Redman's over the years. Dan Coleman conducts on the orchestral tracks. Walking Shadows includes original tunes from both Redman and Mehldau along with works by a wide range of composers such as John Mayer and Pino Palladino; Kern and Hammerstein; and Lennon and McCartney (track list on next page). Orchestral arrangements are by Mehldau, Coleman, and composer Patrick Zimmerli.

Redman first worked with Mehldau and Blade in Redman's mid-1990s quartet and they have been friends and frequent collaborators ever since. Redman was a featured soloist on Mehldau's Jon Brion-produced 2010 orchestral album, Highway Rider. Walking Shadows is the first of Redman's records to be produced by Mehldau. Redman says: “I couldn't be more delighted to have the opportunity to do a ballads record with strings, with Brad producing, and my other great friends and collaborators all involved. I've wanted to do this for a long time. ”