Ever since playing on John Coltrane's "Giant Steps" in 1959, Cedar Walton has been one of the hard-bop pianists of choice. Though he famously declined to solo over the knotty chord changes of that classic (there were too many, too fast), he has written many an intricate tune of his own over the years. On his newest release, "Midnight Waltz," he at last gets to play, and solo over, 10 of his originals that have been covered more often by others than by himself.
Walton's fame rests not only on his challenging compositions, covered by groups like Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, but also on his intense style of comping behind famed sax and trumpet soloists. Here, though, he is freed from his role of accompanist, and instead gets solid support from bassist David Williams and drummer Jimmy Cobb. Williams and Cobb are essential, but they know this is Walton's chance to shine.
And shine he does. Whether dancing over the Latin rhythms of "Bolivia" or stomping through the earthy changes of "Cedar's Blues," Walton is more sure-fingered than ever. On classics like "Ugetsu," "Dear Ruth" and "Holy Land," Walton has a lot to say about his own melodic and harmonic forms. Though many other groups have given Walton's compositions strong treatments in the past, when performed in the hands of their composer they feel like some long-lost art treasures finally returned to their rightful place -- more fitting and beautiful than ever.