The Bouncer

Pianist and composer Cedar Walton is a key figure in the hard-bop tradition: he served as a sideman with trombonist J.J. Johnson; was a member of Benny Golson and Art Farmer’s Jazztet; and played, wrote, and arranged for Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. He’s also recorded dozens of albums as a leader, and in 2011, he released *The Bouncer*. Here Walton is joined by Vincent Herring on saxophones and flute, bassist David Williams, and drummer Willie Jones III. Trombonist Steve Turre and percussionist Ray Mantilla also make appearances. The openingtitle cut features the frontline of Herring and Turre meshing nicely on the theme and a masterful, old-school solo from Walton. The pianist dazzles in a trio setting of J. J. Johnson’s “Lament,” a tune that Walton first played in the 1950s. His solo is absolutely brimming with ideas. “Halo” is a low-key, swinging waltz that spotlights Herring’s lovely flute work. “Martha’s Prize,” an edgy piece for trio, wraps things up strongly. (Note: the legendary Rudy Van Gelder — born in 1924 — engineered, mixed, and mastered *The Bouncer*.)