Biography
Saxophonist and composer Walter Smith III enters a new era of his band leading career with his remarkable Blue Note debut return to casual, the long-anticipated follow-up to his self-released 2014 recording still casual. Dedicated to collaborative work with some of the music’s most influential voices — including Ambrose Akinmusire, Terence Blanchard, Gerald Clayton, Eric Harland, Jason Moran, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Herbie Hancock, Maria Schneider, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Dee Dee Bridgewater — Smith has crafted a distinct style, personal vocabulary and compositional approach that serves the individuality of his fellow artists. For the past several years, he has been co-leading the acclaimed In Common project with guitarist Matt Stevens, exploring and refining different conceptual approaches to writing. In releasing return to casual, on which he also serves as producer, Smith unveils the many ways his creative expression has expanded, and the influence these collaborative environments have had on his vision as a leader.
Releases
Videos
Walter Smith III “REVIVE”
Walter Smith III “Shine”
Walter Smith III “First Look” With Don Was
Walter Smith III “River Styx”
SPOTLIGHT
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WALTER SMITH III’S “RETURN TO CASUAL”
Saxophonist and composer Walter Smith III enters a new era of his band leading career with his remarkable Blue Note debut return to casual, the long-anticipated follow-up to his self-released 2014 recording still casual. Nine original works (and one new arrangement) all composed within weeks of each other layer, displace, dismantle and reassemble among the Houston native’s fellow artists.... read more
News
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WALTER SMITH III RELEASES NEW SINGLE “RIVER STYX” FROM FORTHCOMING BLUE NOTE DEBUT “RETURN TO CASUAL”
Walter Smith III has released “River Styx,” the 3rd single to be revealed from the saxophonist’s forthcoming Blue Note debut return to casual out April 7. “River Styx” conjures an undercurrent of dynamic motion that swells and falls throughout the striking piece featuring trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire,... read more
SAXOPHONIST WALTER SMITH III COVERS KATE BUSH’S “MOTHER STANDS FOR COMFORT”
Walter Smith III has released his stunning new cover of Kate Bush’s “Mother Stands for Comfort,” the latest single from the saxophonist’s forthcoming Blue Note debut return to casual out April 7. The album features pianist Taylor Eigsti, guitarist Matt Stevens, bassist Harish Raghavan, and drummer Kendrick... read more
WALTER SMITH III TO RELEASE BLUE NOTE DEBUT “RETURN TO CASUAL” ON APRIL 7
Saxophonist and composer Walter Smith III has signed with Blue Note Records and enters a new era of his band leading career with the April 7 release of his remarkable label debut return to casual, the long-anticipated follow-up to his self-released 2014 recording still casual. Reprising their bandmate roles, pianist... read more
