What makes Cedar Walton Plays by Cedar Walton notable?

This album received critical acclaim for its masterful arrangements and improvisations, showcasing Walton’s skillful touch on the piano. It contributed to the resurgence of interest in jazz standards during the late 1980s and has influenced subsequent generations of jazz pianists. By 1987, Cedar Walton was an established figure in the jazz scene, known for his contributions as both a pianist and composer. 'Cedar Walton Plays' followed his acclaimed work in the 1970s and early 1980s, further solidifying his reputation as a key player in the hard bop genre.

Who is Cedar Walton Plays for?

Cedar Walton Plays works well if you're into intricate melodies for deep focus, patient, unfolding musical landscapes and late-night reflective listening experience.

How many songs are on Cedar Walton Plays?

Cedar Walton Plays has 8 tracks, running approximately 62 minutes.

Cedar Walton Plays

Cedar Walton · 1987

62 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A sophisticated blend of intricate melodies and rhythmic complexity that showcases Walton's lyrical piano style.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Willow Weep for Me — The opening track features a haunting interpretation that emphasizes Walton's emotive playing style, setting the tone for the rest of the album.
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So in Love — Walton's lush harmonies and delicate phrasing highlight his unique approach to ballads, making this rendition particularly memorable.
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Out of the Past — This lengthy piece allows Walton to explore complex improvisations, showcasing his ability to weave intricate patterns seamlessly throughout.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album highlights Walton's intricate compositions and skilled improvisation, making it a solid entry in his discography.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of intricate piano melodies that often intertwine with complex rhythmic patterns.
Each track showcases a different jazz standard, allowing for varied interpretations while maintaining a cohesive sound throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

intricate melodies for deep focus
patient, unfolding musical landscapes
late-night reflective listening experience
lyrical piano for contemplative moments

Maybe skip if you

seeking quick, upbeat tracks
prefer standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context: By 1987, Cedar Walton was an established figure in the jazz scene, known for his contributions as both a pianist and composer. 'Cedar Walton Plays' followed his acclaimed work in the 1970s and early 1980s, further solidifying his reputation as a key player in the hard bop genre.
Stylistic neighbors: McCoy Tyner· Chick Corea· Bill Evans

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Willow Weep for Me 9:32
2 Hallucinations 5:45
3 Bremond's Blues 4:24
4 So in Love 10:51
5 Book's Bossa 6:38
6 Out of the Past 11:21
7 He's a Real Gone Guy 6:39
8 Something in Common 7:01

What to play next

Listen next

Up Front

1987

Go back to

Cedar Walton

1986

Full Cedar Walton discography Artists like Cedar Walton

jazz swing

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata