What makes Cedar! by Cedar Walton notable?

'Cedar!' is notable for its critical acclaim within the jazz community, receiving positive reviews for its innovative arrangements and strong performances. The album helped cement Walton's reputation as a key figure in the post-bop movement while influencing subsequent generations of jazz musicians. Released in 1967, 'Cedar!' marked Cedar Walton's emergence as a prominent pianist and composer in the jazz scene after years of collaboration with legends like Art Blakey. This album came shortly after his work with the Jazz Messengers and established him as a leader in his own right, paving the way for his future endeavors in both performance and composition.