Brad Walker + Extended

Biography

Brad Walker is a renowned jazz saxophonist based in New Orleans, holding a Bachelor of Music in classical saxophone performance (2006) and a Master of Music in jazz studies (2011), both from Louisiana State University. He moved to New Orleans around 2011, quickly becoming one of the city's most sought-after performers, known for his soaring, energetic, and tasteful solos on high-profile platforms like Saturday Night Live, the Grammys, and The Tonight Show alongside Sturgill Simpson. His debut album 'Quintet' (2014) earned a four-star review from DownBeat magazine, and he has released five full-length albums under his own name, including 'Firewalker' (2024) and 'A Sliver of Catharsis,' which explores spiritual themes through tenor and alto saxophone with electronic effects.

Walker's career developed rapidly in the vibrant New Orleans scene, where he co-leads the piano trio Extended and has performed or recorded with luminaries such as Bernard Purdie, Peter Erskine, George Porter Jr., Zigaboo Modeliste, Anders Osborne, and Marcia Ball. Nominated for OffBeat Magazine's 'Best of the Beat' Awards in 2019/2020 for Best Artist and Best Record in Contemporary Jazz—alongside Nicholas Payton and Jon Batiste—and Gambit Magazine's Big Easy Awards, he has led horn sections for artists like Ana Popovic, Eric Lindell, and Honey Island Swamp Band. His music tells stories with adept band support, praised in Rolling Stone, NPR, Variety, and OffBeat.

Though still active, Walker's legacy includes establishing himself as a compelling composer and performer, with recent works like 'Live At The Marigny' (2020) and a move influencing projects like 'Sun Prints' collaborations, reflecting deep roots in New Orleans jazz while pushing boundaries with original compositions born from iPhone voice memos.

Fun Facts

• Co-leads the piano trio Extended, becoming omnipresent in New Orleans after moving there in 2011.
• His compositions often originate from iPhone voice memos recorded late at night after gigs.
• Earned DownBeat's four-star review for debut 'Quintet' (2014) and multiple 'Best of the Beat' nominations alongside jazz giants like Nicholas Payton and Jon Batiste.
• Moved to New Orleans post-graduate studies, rising to lead Sturgill Simpson's horn section within a decade.

Musical Connections

Key Collaborators

• Sturgill Simpson - Led horn section on major TV appearances (SNL, Grammys, Tonight Show) [2010s]
• Matt Booth - Longtime bandmate and bassist (A Sliver of Catharsis, Palindromes project) [2015-present]
• Bernard Purdie - Performed and recorded together (Various sessions) [2009-present]
• George Porter, Jr. - Performed and recorded together (Various sessions) [2009-present]
• Anders Osborne - Performed and recorded together (Various sessions) [2009-present]

External Links

• Spotify