Jazz Articles about Cedar Walton

Cedar Walton (Astor Place: Roots

by C. Michael Bailey
June 1, 1999

Roots. Cedar Walton is a treasure with an uncanny sense for composition, arrangement, and performance. His most recent recording Roots readily bears this out. His music is layered, as is his band. The liner notes introduce the band members first as Walton's trio, the rhythm engine driving his machine. Next are introduced “Added Front Line Instruments." The big names. Joshua Redman, who's tenor voice continues to mature on “Boliva," “Ojos De Rojo" and “Firm Roots." Terrance Blanchard chimes in on ...

Cedar Walton: Bambino

by Jim Santella
September 1, 1998

Cedar Walton's sextet recorded this session before an appreciative audience at Sweet Basil in New York in 1993. Joining the pianist for this date were trumpeter Philip Harper, tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson, trombonist Steve Turre, bassist David Williams and drummer Billy Higgins. The recording was taped during two August nights at the club; alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson appears on “Wee Dot" and “If I Had You."

Four of the sextet are alumni of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers; moreover, Lou Donaldson's ...