Cedar Walton: The Promise Land

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

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Published: December 1, 2001

Few would debate pianist Cedar Walton's significance in jazz. With this release, the artist continues to utilize the efforts of alto saxophonist Vincent Herring and bassist David Williams, while Kenny Washington inherits the chair once held by the late drummer Billy Higgins. Therefore, as one might surmise, Walton's eloquence and artisanship is once again prominently exhibited on his latest group led effort.

On the opener and title piece, "Promise Land," the quartet bases its soulful vibe upon Herring's unruffled phraseology and memorably melodic hook. Moreover, Herring's lilting flute passages during the samba tinged "N.P.S" perpetuates a gala outlook, amid Walton's beautifully constructed solos and effective comping. Moderate swing vamps prevail throughout, as the band often conjures up remembrances of the 60's West Coast jazz scene, due to Herring's breezy passages and the leader's fluent mode of execution.

Walton demonstrates his soft touch and articulately executed lyricism on the standard "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," while Herring pours his soul into the grand scheme of things via his clear toned lines and compassionate interpretation of the main theme. Walton's joyous musical spirit is candidly articulated on The Promise Land.

HighNote

Track Listing: 1. Promise Land 2. N.P.S. 3. Back To Bologna 4. Body And Soul 5. Darn That Dream 6. Thirty Degrees To The Wind 7. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes 8. I

Personnel: Cedar Walton: piano/leader

Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream