Cedar Walton Quartet

Walton is well known as a hard bop pioneer, who was an important member (along with Wayne Shorter and Freddie Hubbard) of Art Blakey's influential early-'60s Jazz Messengers, for whom he wrote such well-known compostions as "Bolivia," "Mosaic" and "Ugetsu." He also played and recorded with J.J. Johnson, John Coltrane, Hank Mobley and Lee Morgan among others. Walton has actively led his own ensembles for the last several decades, while recording numerous well-regarded albums.

On Sunday, Walton showed why he is such a respected figure in the jazz world, thoroughly entertaining the crowd with a set that started with "Cedar's Blues" and included other strong Walton originals "The Holy Land," "Dear Ruth" (written for Cedar's mother), as well as an enjoyable samba version of "Body and Soul." Walton's expertise at the keyboard is such that he never seems to be straining, even while playing rings around most younger players. His smooth yet powerful technique is a joy to behold, and at age 75 is still playing with passion and intensity.

His chosen band members were also clicking along nicely. Rhythm partners Webber and Fludas were tight and both played fine solos. Saxophonist Baevsky was given the primary soloist spot alongside Walton and gave a promising performance in which he displayed a unique tone and solid technique. Much of the music included a lot of space for solos and the players energetically engaged in trading-eights.

The highlight of the evening occurred when Jazz Institute Vice President Ruby Rogers requested the up-tempo Walton composition, "Firm Roots" to end the concert, and the band leader graciously complied. The result was a rocking number featuring exuberant playing from all players, including a blazing sax solo from Baevsky, which raised the heart rates of everyone who witnessed the climactic conclusion of a wonderful and too-rare appearance from a true great.