Formation: Building a Personal Canon, Part 1 (Popular Music History)

Brad Mehldau's Formation is an unflinching, deeply personal memoir that takes readers on a journey through the jazz pianist's life, from his adoption and survival of sexual abuse to his struggles with heroin addiction.

Through vivid descriptions of the New York City jazz scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Mehldau offers a glimpse into the creative process behind some of his most iconic works, including the "Mood Swing" quartet with Joshua Redman.

The book also delves into Mehldau's solo ventures and explorations of other areas of music, all while providing a candid look at the personal struggles that have shaped him into the artist he is today.

With its raw honesty and unflinching portrayal of addiction, Formation is a must-read for any fan of Mehldau's music or anyone interested in the inner workings of the jazz world.