Walter Smith III is a contemporary jazz saxophonist, composer, and educator who has been making significant contributions to the jazz scene since the early 2000s. Born in Houston, Texas, Smith began playing the saxophone at a young age and quickly developed a passion for jazz. He further honed his craft at the Berklee College of Music and later at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. Smith's sound is characterized by a fluid, expressive tenor tone, and an innovative approach to improvisation and composition, which has made him a sought-after collaborator in modern jazz.

Smith's discography spans a range of collaborative and solo projects that showcase his versatility and creativity as an artist. "Casually Introducing," his debut album, was a strong entrance onto the jazz stage, while "Walter Smith III - Live in Paris" captures the dynamic energy of his live performances. With a knack for thoughtful collaboration, Smith has also released a series of albums titled "In Common" alongside other prominent jazz musicians, exploring the intersection of their stylistic nuances. Albums like "Twio" and "Still Casual" continue to build on his reputation, displaying his skillful interplay with other musicians and his deepening compositional prowess. With each new release, including "In Common III" and "For Some Time," Walter Smith III further establishes himself as a leading voice in the contemporary jazz landscape.

Genres

Contemporary Jazz

Contemporary Post-bop

Hard Bop

Jazz

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Eric Harland

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Kendrick Scott

Herbie Hancock

Mark Turner

Latest Release

three of us are from Houston and Reuben is not

Walter Smith III

Album - 11 Tracks - Released September 27, 2024