Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Cedar Walton (Astor Place: Roots

234

Cedar Walton (Astor Place: Roots

By

Sign in to view read count
Cedar Walton (Astor Place: Roots
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 "When Love is New, "I'll Let You Know," and "Firm Roots." And finally guitar master Mark Whitfield who plucks his way through "Mode for Joe," "Blue Monterey," and "Fantasy in D." Finally, the "Added Ensemble" is introduced. Almost a big band. All captured in crystalline perfection.

Cedar Chest. Cedar Walton's latest release takes on a decidedly medium to big band flavor. The sound is crisp and clean, as are the performances. Walton, as should be, is the stand out on this disc. He plays with the articulation that one has come to expect from this superb jazz musician. His interaction with his extended group of players is exceptional with none of the performances ever disintegrating into a jam. This is sophisticated and readily consumable mainstream jazz that is well recommended.

Personnel

Album information

Title: Roots | Year Released: 1999 | Record Label: Astor Place

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.