NEA Jazz Master Cedar Walton has enjoyed an up-tempo career, which never seems to slow down. Maintaining a non-stop itinerary, Walton has accompanied a litany of Jazz greats while also fronting his own successful groups since 1966.  As a pianist Walton doesn't rely on pet licks or pyrotechnical display — although he has an excellent technique.  Rather he invents all the time, and makes his always imaginative work fit into the context of whatever he's playing.  As a composer, Cedar is one of the finest in jazz whose works have been widely recorded with many now being recognized as jazz standards.  For his latest HighNote recording, Walton returns to his favored quintet format with poll-winning trombonist Steve Turre adding his luxurious, velvet tone to Vincent Herring's saxophone sound.

CEDAR WALTON, piano • Vincent Herring, alto & tenor saxophones; flute • Steve Turre, trombone • David Williams, bass • Willie Jones III, drums • Ray Mantilla, percussion

Tracks: The Bouncer • Lament • Bell For Bags • Halo • Underground Memoirs • Willie's Groove • Got to Get to the Island • Martha's Prize

 The Bouncer

 Bell for Bags

 Underground Memoirs

 Martha's Prize