Topically Yours -Jazz pianist Cedar Walton

Host Deardra Shuler talks with jazz pianist Cedar Walton about his upcoming show in the Allen Room at Frederick P. Rose Hall, at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Saturday, June 22 when he performs with Barry Harris.  The show pays tribute to the late Mulgrew Miller. Walton and Harris will play 9 foot Steinways for their 7:30 and 9:30 pm sets.  For tickets: call CenterCharge 212-721-6500 or the JALC Box Office, Brdwy & 60th Street, Ground Fl. 

Texas born Cedar Walton cites Nat King Cole, Art Tatum, Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell as major influences on him. He began emulating recordings of these artists from an early age. He attended the University of Denver as a composition major originally, but was encouraged to switch to a music education program. This switch later proved extremely useful since Walton learned to play and arrange for various instruments, a talent he would hone with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers.

Cedar Walton remains active, and many of his compositions are jazz standards, including "Firm Roots", "Bolivia" and "Cedar's Blues". "Bolivia" is perhaps Walton's best known composition, while one of his oldest is "Fantasy in D", recorded under the title "Ugetsu" by Art Blakey in 1963.

Mark Morganelli via Jazz Forum Arts presents this Jazz Summit Program. For additional info call 914-631-1000