For Jazz Fans - Cedar Walton and another special bonus jazz legend

Posted by Robert C. Lang (A) on April 30, 2012 at 12:51:16

This past weekend I had the distinct pleasure of taking in Cedar Walton, the master jazz pianist and composer at Yoshi's in Oakland. The Cedar Walton Trio that includes accomplished sidemen, David Williams on bass, and Willie Jones III on drums treated us to a consummate straight up jazz set. They played a perfect blend of Walton compositions and other jazz standards.

Back in '06 in a review at SA-CD.net I made special mention of Cedar Walton contributions both as the pianist and as the composer of some of my most favorite selections in the Chesky SACD New York Time - McBride, Jackson, Cobb, Walton.

And Walton was not the only jazz legend in attendance. Jazz recording producer Orrin Keepnews was in the audience. I have got to tell you having seen his name on numerous Lps and SACDs (especially Riverside and Fantasy) from over 40 years ago I just assumed that he was long gone. My assumption was way off. Mr. Keepnews was not introduced to the crowd, so I (or most anyone else in the crowd) would have ever known he was present. But I had the good fortune of attending the set, as I usually do, with a close friend who is more knowledgeable about the jazz scene spanning the last 50 years than anyone I know personally. He spotted Mr. Keepnews and arranged an introduction. Whoa! What a night.

For me, the attendance of the esteemed Mr. Keepnews underscored the importance of this event.

Robert C. Lang

New York Time - McBride, Jackson, Cobb, Walton (Open in New Window)

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

For Jazz Fans - Cedar Walton and another special bonus jazz legend

Post a Message!