Home » Staff Directory » Member Page

Fred Walker

About Me

A native of St. Louis, Mo. Fred has been waiting for just the right time to jump onto the recording scene with his flavor of “Adult Contemporary Jazz”. He has been playing around St. Louis for a lot of years... Paying his dues, (so to speak.) His Career started many, many years ago as a snot nosed kid at St. Leos' grade school (1950) where he was given an opportunity to take lessons at the old Ludwig Music House in downtown St. Louis. …He chose the saxophone. He was introduced to jazz by his Uncle Eddie who was always listening to the Old Cats. Moody, Miles, Dizzy, Byrd, Rollins, Stitt and so on. Fred fell in love with Stan Getz, the Dave Brubeck/ Paul Desmond collaboration and the so-called West Coast Jazz sounds of Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan and others of that time. Fred’s stylings however, are influenced by GIANTS in the field, including: David Newman, Grover Washington Jr., Maceo Parker, Wilton Felder, Cannonball Adderly, Gene Jughead Ammons, and many others too numerous to mention. Fred played bugle for a while with local drum and bugle corps and after graduation from high school, was disciplined in the U. S. Marine Corps base bands during the early 60s. When Fred is not doing the “SAXY JAZZ” thing he works with the Mystic Voyage Band, playing wedding receptions, private parties, and at some local clubs throughout the area. FRED WALKER has become somewhat of a one-man army. With the success of his first effort “Blues In A Red Dress”, Fred stays on the front line with his second CD, “Ten Plus”. Fred has the impressive ability to blend traditional and contemporary jazz styles simultaneously attracting a youthful following without alienating older jazz aficionados who yearn for the sounds of a Grover or Cannonball. Now Fred, along with his “STAR CITY PRODUCTION COMPANY“, present “SAXY JAZZ” a solo project that incorporates Fred playing along with background tracks; many of which were produced in his own STAR CITY recording studio. Fred is available for “DJ” duties as well as performing concerts or for birthday, retirement, graduation, pool and other type parties and celebrations.

Favorite Musicians / Bands

Engage

Publisher's Desk

A Word About Social Media and Other Platforms
Read on...

All Blog Posts | Latest Newsletter

Reader Polls

Which jazz venues deserve to be on top?
Cast Your Vote Today

All Polls | All Surveys

The Big Question

If Coltrane emerged today, would he receive recognition and appreciation?
Post Your Comment

Big Question Archive