Cedar Walton was an esteemed American jazz pianist, renowned for his eloquent and sophisticated approach to the genre. Born on January 17, 1934, in Dallas, Texas, Walton's career spanned over five decades, during which he made significant contributions both as a bandleader and as a collaborator with numerous jazz greats. He was widely recognized for his formative years with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers in the 1960s, a period that saw him both shaping and being shaped by the hard bop idiom that defined the era. Walton also played with other iconic figures such as John Coltrane and Freddie Hubbard.

In addition to his noteworthy collaborations, Cedar Walton's solo career was marked by a series of critically acclaimed albums known for their lyrical inventiveness and harmonic richness. His discography reflects a devoted exploration of the jazz tradition, from the depths of blues to the nuances of bebop and beyond. Albums like "The Trio 2" and "Charmed Circle," recorded live at the Keystone Korner, stand as testaments to Walton's dynamic performance style and his ability to captivate audiences. His proficiency in weaving complex musical narratives was further exemplified in works like "The Bouncer" and "Seasoned Wood," which garnered admiration from both peers and critics. Walton's influence on jazz is indelible, and his artistry continues to inspire musicians and listeners long after his passing on August 19, 2013.

Genres

Hard Bop

Jazz Piano

Related Artists

Bill Evans

McCoy Tyner

Herbie Hancock

Keith Jarrett

Chick Corea

Wynton Kelly

Tommy Flanagan

Hank Jones

Oscar Peterson

Red Garland

Horace Silver

Bobby Timmons

Latest Release

The Trio 3 (Remastered 2024)

Cedar Walton

Album - 7 Tracks - Released January 26, 2024