Cedar Walton is one of a handful of pianists (Roland Hanna, Oscar Peterson, Hank Jones, John Lewis, and Tommy Flanagan are others) who combine their deep respect for both classical music and the bop tradition with a brilliant technique. BLUES FOR MYSELF is a solo piano album, richly recorded and sumptuously played, in the conservative bop tradition.
Mixing originals with well-chosen covers like "Sophisticated Lady" and Neal Hefti's "Little Darlin'," Walton consistently displays taste and balance. The opening number, "Blues For Myself," is appropriately introspective. Walton's swing eighth notes are always elegant and slightly wide; although he spins long, fast, linear ideas, for the most part he doesn't let his technique run away with him. "Without a Song" is virtuosic but holds on to the warmth of the song, while on "Sixth Avenue," the density of the piano voicings is varied to provide contrast. With Thelonious Monk's "Let's Call This" Walton gives his most spontaneous performance of the album.
Professional Reviews
JazzTimes (2/96, p.106) - "...Walton offers a playlist of tunes that fans of infectious melodies will liken to a candy store....While some solo piano concerts might weigh the listener down like a brick, this one effervesces. One could only wish that he played a bit longer."
