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Cedar Walton

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description Cedar Walton Overview

Cedar Walton is a highly respected jazz pianist known for his distinctive hard-bop style and prolific compositions. His work with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers cemented his place in jazz history. He primarily created and performed classic piano solos and standards appreciated by serious jazz listeners and students of the genre.

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What jazz standards did Cedar Walton compose?

Walton wrote several enduring jazz standards, most notably 'Bolivia,' 'Mosaic,' and 'Holy Land.' 'Bolivia' has been recorded by dozens of artists and remains a staple of hard bop jam sessions.

When did Cedar Walton play with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers?

Walton was the pianist for Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers from 1961 to 1964, alongside Freddie Hubbard and Wayne Shorter. During this tenure he appeared on landmark Blue Note albums including 'Mosaic' (1961) and 'Free for All' (1964).

What was Cedar Walton's group Eastern Rebellion?

Eastern Rebellion was a long-running jazz quartet co-founded by Walton in the mid-1970s, serving as his primary working band for decades. The group recorded prolifically, with personnel including at various times saxophonist Bob Berg and drummer Billy Higgins.

What did Cedar Walton record late in his career?

Walton continued recording into the 2010s, releasing albums on the High Note label such as 'Voices Deep Within' (2009) and 'Return to One' (2013). He passed away in August 2013 at the age of 79.