What makes Composer by Cedar Walton notable?

'Composer' received positive critical reception, highlighting Walton's ability to blend traditional jazz elements with contemporary influences. The album showcases compositions that reflect both personal and universal themes, contributing to Walton's legacy and influencing younger generations of jazz musicians. When 'Composer' was released in 1996, Cedar Walton was already an esteemed figure in the jazz scene, known for his work with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and his own influential recordings. This album marked a significant point in his career, being a follow-up to his critically acclaimed works from the late 1980s and early 1990s, further establishing his reputation as a composer and bandleader.

Composer works well if you're into intricate rhythms that invite exploration, vibrant melodies for reflective moments and sophisticated compositions for attentive listening.

How many songs are on Composer?

Composer has 9 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Composer

Cedar Walton · 1996

61 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz harmonies and intricate rhythms that showcases Cedar Walton's mastery of composition and improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Martha's Prize — This track opens the album with a lyrical piano melody that sets the tone for Walton's intricate compositional style while featuring engaging interplay among the musicians.
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Theme for Jobim — A tribute to bossa nova legend Antonio Carlos Jobim, this piece captures Walton's affinity for Brazilian music, blending sophisticated harmonies with a laid-back groove.
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Hindsight — This track stands out for its reflective mood and complex chord progressions, showcasing Walton’s deep understanding of jazz narrative through musical phrasing.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

intricate rhythms that invite exploration
vibrant melodies for reflective moments
sophisticated compositions for attentive listening
smooth transitions between varied themes

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek simplistic, repetitive structures

Where this album fits

Career context: When 'Composer' was released in 1996, Cedar Walton was already an esteemed figure in the jazz scene, known for his work with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and his own influential recordings. This album marked a significant point in his career, being a follow-up to his critically acclaimed works from the late 1980s and early 1990s, further establishing his reputation as a composer and bandleader.
Stylistic neighbors: McCoy Tyner· Chick Corea· Bill Evans

Tracklist

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

1 Martha's Prize 6:15
2 The Vision 7:24
3 Happiness 5:51
4 Minor Controversy 7:13
5 Hindsight 8:20
6 Underground Memoirs 7:41
7 Theme for Jobim 6:16
8 Groove Passage 6:12
9 Groundwork 5:53

What to play next

Listen next

Roots

1997

Go back to

Spectrum

1994

Full Cedar Walton discography Artists like Cedar Walton

jazz swing

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata