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 and Eric Revis.
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.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.