Home » Member Page
Chuck Walker
Nurturing creativity and unity with rhythm, harmony, and melody.
About Me
Inspired by a series of jazz workshops with San Diego tenor sax legend
Daniel Jackson (Ray Charles, Jimmy Smith, Art Farmer) in 1995,
guitarist Chuck Walker has been performing and composing music for
over a decade on California's west coast. Since cutting his teeth in the
San Francisco jazz scene in the late 90's with the likes of alto
saxophonist John Handy (Charles Mingus) and guitarist Mimi Fox,
Walker has performed extensively in Los Angeles with Team Scrub, End
of the World Ensemble, and Skyline Electric, and in San Diego with the
Chuck Walker Trio, Jivechops Ensemble, and Random House Band.
Sticking to the classic elements of acid jazz, the Chuck Walker Trio
relies on its jazz improvisation to bring out the funky break beats that
are signature of the subgenre. 'Our sound reaches out and connects
with in-the-pocket drum grooves, thick bass thumps and lush guitar
lines,' says Chuck Walker. 'The ability of the drums, bass and guitar to
combine and create an improvisational platform for the soloist to play
over is what the Chuck Walker Trio creatively explores every time we
step on stage.'
- Ashley Lee, 944 Magazine - Music Issue (Apr 01, 2011)
Evolution of the Chuck Walker Trio:
CW3 I - Determined to assemble a versatile jazz guitar trio of high
caliber in 2002, Walker recruited drummer Fenimore Johnson, a lively
musician with funky sensibilities and nonchalant timing. Rounding out the
rhythm section, Walker enlisted the bottom end talents of bassist Bryan
Gambell, a noted composer and cross-genre artist.
CW3 II - In order to accommodate a more subtle, lyrical sound for more
intimate events, a new trio emerged in 2004. Trumpeter extraordinaire
Don Shaffer joined the trio format, sans drums, to perform a more laid-
back West Coast style of cool jazz.
CW3 III - In 2009, master tenor saxophonist Andy Zahurak entered the
scene, blowing thick melodic tones with a biting, driving East Coast
intensity. With Fenimore Johnson on the drum kit, Zahurak’s
tremendous tone and improvisational instincts compliment Walker’s
steady handling of both bass line and guitar chords to produce an
energy-packed straight ahead sound.
CW3 IV - Landing a regular Friday night gig in 2010 downstairs at
Prohibition Speakeasy in the historic Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San
Diego opened the door for a heavier rhythm section to unfold: the ever-
bouncing Joe Trujillo on upright bass and swingman Mark Cooper on
drums. Exploring new levels of acid jazz at every performance, this
fourth version of the Chuck Walker Trio builds the groove from the
inside out, with driving rhythms and weaving melodies, thick with soul
drenched improv.
CW3 V - 2011 began with master drummer and percussionist Tommy
Ortiz taking up the drum position. With bassman Joe Trujillo maintaining
solid descargas and Walker locking into 2nd line riffs, this new rhythm
section generates an explosive funky sound with syncopated grooves
and dancing melodies.
Focused on original material and traditional classics, the group
continues to work with guest soloists such as trumpeter/keyboardist
Anilh Rameshwar, vibraphonist Julio Coronado, tenor man Billy Allen,
and vocalists Kasey Cookie Coe and the Rev. Richard Ross to
develop and expand their sound in the studio and on stage.
The Chuck Walker Trio is committed to bringing the best improvisational
music to the stage every time. Drawing from a rich repertoire of classic
jazz standards and innovative original material, the group’s brilliant
dedication to this American art form shines at every performance.