JD WALTER: On A Clear Day

The Album On A Clear Day 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. NEA Jazz Master Dave Liebman provides skillful saxophone arrangements of standards and original compositions. The album also features acclaimed artists Ari Hoenig on drums, Jim Ridl on piano, and Steve Varner on bass. Song Selection: 1. Keisha’s Coy John Daniel Walter 5:31 2. On A Clear Day Burton Lane, Alan Jay Lerner 5:16 3. Here I Am There I Go John Daniel Walter 4:31 4. Beyond the Line John Daniel Walter, Dave Liebman 4:54 5. Mommie’s Eyes Dave Liebman 5:11 6. If I Should Lose You Leo Robin, Ralph Rainger 5:50 7. Translucence John Daniel Walter, Dave Liebman 5:25 8. Grace Jeff Buckley 5:50 Produced by: JD Walter and Dave Liebman Length: 32 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.   “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 About Dave Liebman NEA Jazz Master (2011), saxophonist David Liebman’s career has spanned nearly five decades, beginning in the early 1970s as the saxophone/flautist in both the Elvin Jones and Miles Davis Groups, continuing as a bandleader since. He has played on over five hundred recordings with nearly two hundred under his leadership and co-leadership. His bands over the years have included noted musicians such as John Scofield, Richie Beirach, Bob Moses, Billy Hart and others. He has performed on over 500 recordings with 200 as a leader/co-leader featuring several hundred original compositions. International recognitions and awards include : Honorary doctorate for jazz- Sibelius Academy, Helsinki, Finland (1997) Order of arts and letters – Paris, France (2009) National endowment of the arts (NEA) Jazz master-highest honor in jazz from U.S. government (2011) Dave has consistently placed in the top positions for Soprano Saxophone in the Downbeat, Jazz Times and JazzEd polls since 1973 and he received a Grammy Award Nomination for “My Favorite Things” on Arkadia Records. “Liebman is among the most important saxophonists in contemporary music . . . a leader and artist of integrity and independent direction.” Downbeat Magazine “While others of his ‘60s generation have fallen off their ambition, Liebman has remained dogged about composition and trying different styles…he’s a fighter.” Ben Ratliff, NY Times “The confidence that Dave Liebman shows in the chemistry of his musicians is justified and each hearing reveals new facets of these musical gems.” Ken Dryden, NYC Jazz Record