What makes Cedar Walton by Cedar Walton notable?

This album is notable for its artistic depth, showcasing Walton's skills both as a performer and a composer. It received positive reviews from critics, further solidifying his reputation in the jazz community and contributing to the resurgence of interest in straight-ahead jazz during the mid-1980s. Released in 1986, 'Cedar Walton' marks a significant moment in the artist's career as it is his self-titled album following his tenure with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. By this time, Walton had established himself as a prominent pianist and composer within the jazz scene, showing his evolution from sideman to bandleader.