JD WALTER: The Last Muse

This remarkable album features acclaimed vocalist JD Walter at his best – a master of heartfelt ballads and exciting uptempo tunes. An outstanding scatter, he effortlessly spins syllables and notes, creating a powerful sonic dance with his voice. The album presents eight Jazz Standards by such composers as Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein, Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen. JD Walter has a true gift for infusing familiar standards with new energy and fresh interpretations. He also showcases his talent as a lyricist and composer with the title track, The Last Muse, as well as Here Am There I Go, and So Wonderful (Now), where his musical poetry speaks of love and heartbreak with a unique style. JD Walter has assembled a number of stellar musicians, including NEA Jazz Master Dave Liebman, Ari Hoenig, Julian Rodriguez, Jean-Michel Pilc, Orrin Evans, Jim Ridl, Becca Stevens, and others to create a thrilling and touching musical experience.   Song Selection: 1. The Song Is You Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II 5:18 2. Dedicated To You Sammy Kahn, Saul Chaplin, Hy Zaret 4:12 3. The Last Muse JD Walter 5:31 4. You Go to My Head Haven Gillespie, J. Fred Coots 5:26 5. The Way You Look Tonight Jerome Kern, Dorothy Fields 4:39 6. Turn Out The Stars Gene Lees, Bill Evans 4:10 7. Here I Am There I Go JD Walter 5:46 8. You Always Hurt the One You Love Allan Roberts, Doris Fisher 5:24 9. It Could Happen To You Johnny Burke, Jimmy Van Heusen 5:41 10. So Wonderful (Now) JD Walter 2:20 11. I’ll Be Seeing You Irving Kahal, Sammy Fain 4:13 Produced by: JD Walter and Bob Karcy Length: 52 minutes About JD Walter Vocalist and songwriter JD Walter is considered by many in the jazz world to be the among the very best jazz singers, known for his immediately recognizable smokey sound, his virtuosic talent for improvisation, his compelling original songs, and his ability to reinvent standards. Over the decades, Walter has performed as a featured artist at numerous American jazz clubs and festivals in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Central America as well as over 80 tours in Russia. He remains a regular in the New York music scene, and has headlined at Dizzy’s Lincoln Center, The Jazz Standard, The Blue Note, and The Jazz Gallery, among other venues. JD has shared the stage with many legendary artists including: Dave Liebman, Billy Hart, Tom Harrell, Kurt Elling, Taylor Eigsti, Eddie Gomez, Bob Dorough, Nicholas Payton, Jean-Michel Pilc, Mark Murphy, Greg Hutchinson, Ari Hoenig, Orrin Evans, Obed Calvaire, Dave Kikowski, Robin Eubanks, Eric Revis, and others. JD Walter’s past, present, and future embodies music. From boy choirs starting at an early age to attending The University of North Texas Jazz Program on a full scholarship, Walter has become a pioneer of improvisation and electronic innovations in the world of jazz. His recording career spans over 20 years and his purist progressive approach to jazz music has been recognized worldwide. After extended studies in Amsterdam with Jazz vocal Icon, Deborah Brown, Walter returned to the U.S. and embedded himself in the New York Jazz scene. He’s released eight albums as a leader and been a guest on over 100 recordings. In late 2022, JD Walter and New York based Grammy Award Nominated label Arkadia Records entered into a long-term recording agreement for multiple new albums. Arkadia Records will also distribute JD Walter’s eight previously records albums.   What The Critics Say “I mean, he scats like nobody else. Comparisons fail me. He plays with long tones like Betty Carter, takes risks like Kurt Elling, possesses a velvety smoothness like Mel Torme, investigates wordless ululations like Milton Nascimento, croons with the confident serenity of a Nat Cole.” – Bill Donaldson, Marge Hofacre, Jazz News “He’s built a reputation for going down his own idiosyncratic path, while simultaneously crafting music that’s at once accessible and adventuresome, and undeniably soulful.” – John Murph, Downbeat Magazine “…lithe and audacious” – Nate Chinen, New York Times