Brad Walker & Extended

Biography

Brad Walker is a prominent saxophonist and composer based in New Orleans, recognized for his expressive and story-driven approach to jazz. Originally from North Carolina, Walker moved to New Orleans in 2009 after completing his Bachelor of Music in classical saxophone performance and a Master of Music in jazz studies at Louisiana State University. Immersing himself in the vibrant Crescent City scene, he quickly became one of its most sought-after performers, praised for his energetic and tasteful solos on national platforms such as Saturday Night Live and the Grammys, especially with country artist Sturgill Simpson.

Walker's career is marked by versatility and collaboration. He has released five full-length albums under his own name, including the critically acclaimed 'Quintet' (2014). In 2022, he joined forces with the acclaimed jazz trio Extended—keyboardist Oscar Rossignoli, bassist Matt Booth, and drummer Brad Webb—to form Brad Walker & Extended. Their album 'Side By Side' showcases a blend of original compositions and imaginative reworkings of classical pieces, highlighting Walker's lyrical tenor and soprano saxophone voice. His music is characterized by a balance of narrative depth and improvisational freedom, often exploring the intersections of jazz, Latin, and classical influences.

Walker’s contributions to the New Orleans jazz community have been recognized with multiple nominations for the OffBeat Magazine 'Best of the Beat' Awards and the Big Easy Awards. His legacy is defined by his commitment to musical storytelling, collaborative spirit, and his role in shaping the contemporary jazz landscape of New Orleans.

Fun Facts

• Brad Walker’s solos have been praised by major outlets such as Rolling Stone, NPR, and Relix.
• He has performed with legendary drummers Bernard Purdie and Peter Erskine, and New Orleans icons George Porter, Jr. and Zigaboo Modeliste.
• Walker’s debut album 'Quintet' received a 4-star review in DownBeat magazine.
• He has led horn sections for a diverse array of artists, from blues award-winner Ana Popovic to OffBeat Award winners Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Louisiana State University Faculty - Provided formal training in classical saxophone and jazz studies during undergraduate and graduate education. (Bachelor and Master of Music degrees) [2002–2011]

Key Collaborators

• Oscar Rossignoli - Pianist in Extended; co-writer and performer on 'Side By Side' and live performances. (Side By Side (2022)) [2018–present]
• Matt Booth - Bassist in Extended; co-writer and performer on 'Side By Side' and live performances. (Side By Side (2022)) [2018–present]
• Brad Webb - Drummer in Extended; co-writer and performer on 'Side By Side' and live performances. (Side By Side (2022)) [2018–present]
• Sturgill Simpson - Led horn section for Grammy-winning artist on major television performances. (Saturday Night Live, Grammys, Tonight Show) [2016–2018]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging New Orleans jazz saxophonists - Walker’s innovative approach and active mentorship have inspired younger musicians in the New Orleans jazz scene. (Local performances, workshops) [2015–present]

Discography

Top Tracks

1. High From Low (High From Low)
2. Everything - Cut Version (Flow Dance Deep House Mix Vol.2)
3. My Sunday Loo - Radio Edit (Deep House Vibes Flow)
4. Minders - Radio Edit (Deep House Vibes Flow)
5. Electrical Love - Radio Edit (Deep House Vibes Flow 2 (Radio Edit))
6. Enveloped - Radio Edit (Deep House Vibes Flow 2 (Radio Edit))
7. Usa Girls - Instrumental Mix (Usa Girls)
8. Everything - Hme Mix (Hit Mania Dance Estate 2024)
9. High From Low - Radio Edit
10. High From Low - Radio Edit (High From Low)

External Links

• Spotify