Following an extensive international tour, Cedar Walton and his quartet entered the studio in December 1980 at the height of their collective powers. The Maestro captures a band forged on the road-refined, intuitive, and deeply connected-delivering performances that balance precision with spontaneity. At the center is Walton's unmistakable voice as a composer and pianist, blending blues-rooted swing with harmonic depth and lyrical clarity. The program moves effortlessly between Walton originals and timeless standards, each rendered with elegance and purpose. A defining highlight is the presence of Abbey Lincoln, whose intimate and expressive vocal performances add a profound emotional dimension to the recording. Her collaboration with Walton elevates the title track into a poignant tribute that resonates beyond the moment. Featuring a masterful ensemble-Bob Berg (tenor saxophone), David Williams (bass), and Billy Higgins (drums)-The Maestro stands as a document of a working band at it's peak: cohesive, dynamic, and deeply rooted in the jazz tradition. Digitally remastered in 2026, this reissue restores a vital chapter in Cedar Walton's legacy with renewed clarity and presence.
Tracklist:
- The Maestro 4:58 (Cedar Walton)
- Rhythm-A-Ning 6:38 (Thelonious Monk)
- Not in Love 3:30 (Cedar Walton)
- Sabi 6:22 (Antonio Carlos Jobim, Chico Buarque)
- A Sentimental Mood 6:50 (Duke Ellington, Manny Kurtz, Irving Mills)
- Blue Monk 4:49 (Thelonious Monk)
- Castles 4:49 (Cedar Walton)
- On the Trail 3:40 (Ferde Grofe)
UPC > 686647334403
Format > New CD
Label > Squatty Roo Records
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