Biography
Walter Smith III, a renowned tenor saxophonist, was born and raised in Houston, Texas, where he grew up immersed in music from an early age. His father, a saxophonist in New Orleans and later an elementary band director in Houston, introduced him to the saxophone at age 5 (or 7 per some accounts), fostering a deep passion that became his life's focus amid a community of fellow young musicians. He attended Kinder High School for the Arts alongside future collaborators like Eric Harland and Jason Moran, then pursued formal training at Berklee College of Music, graduating in 2003, followed by a master's from the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. Now based in Boston, Massachusetts, he serves as Chair of Woodwinds at Berklee, shaping the next generation of jazz talent.
Smith's career took off after moving to New York, where he joined Roy Haynes' Fountain of Youth band alongside Marcus Strickland and Martin Bejerano, learning crucial lessons in melody, precision, and professionalism. He quickly became an in-demand sideman, performing over 300 gigs annually with luminaries like Terence Blanchard, Herbie Hancock, Joe Lovano, Christian McBride, Jason Moran, and Eric Harland, while establishing himself as a leader with acclaimed albums like Casually Introducing (2006), Still Casual (2014), and his 2023 Blue Note debut Return to Casual. His style blends post-bop with Houston's groove-oriented harmony and melody-building, influenced by historical jazz roots, modern Blue Note artists like Greg Osby and Mark Shim, and the fearless, intuitive phrasing of peers.
As a composer and educator, Smith emphasizes community, drawing from mentors like Blanchard and Wayne Shorter to mentor students, prioritizing intuitive group interplay and historical study. His legacy lies in bridging generations, maintaining jazz's evolution through sideman mastery, leadership, and teaching, with a sound that honors tradition while pushing forward-thinking boundaries.
Fun Facts
- Once overslept for a Roy Haynes gig, arriving just as the band was leaving for the airport, learning a hard lesson in professionalism from the no-nonsense drummer.
- His 2006 debut Casually Introducing featured Eric Harland and Reuben Rogers, the same rhythm section that later backed Charles Lloyd for over a decade.
- Grew up in Houston's jazz hotbed, attending the same high school as Eric Harland and Jason Moran, contributing to a distinctive 'Houston sound' in his groove-oriented style.
- One of his leader albums reached iTunes top 10 in its jazz category.
Associated Acts
- Anthony Branker & Imagine - tenor saxophone
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Roy Haynes - Band leader in Fountain of Youth band; taught melody precision, lyrics, and professionalism (Fountain of Youth band and album) [early 2000s]
- Bill Pierce - Main teacher and mentor at Berklee (Berklee studies) [late 1990s-2003]
- George Garzone - Key saxophone teacher at Berklee (Berklee studies) [late 1990s-2003]
- Terence Blanchard - Mentor during road experiences (Various collaborations) [2000s onward]
Key Collaborators
- Eric Harland - Frequent rhythm section partner and Houston peer (Casually Introducing (2006), Return to Casual (2023), Charles Lloyd recordings like Passing Thru (2017)) [2000s-2020s]
- Jason Moran - Long-term collaborator in rhythm sections (Return to Casual (2023), Charles Lloyd's Passing Thru (2017)) [2000s-2020s]
- Ambrose Akinmusire - Close musical partner for over 10 years (Still Casual (2014), Return to Casual (2023)) [2010s-2020s]
- Terence Blanchard - Sideman and mentor (Various tours and recordings) [2000s onward]
- Reuben Rogers - Rhythm section bassist (Casually Introducing (2006), Return to Casual (2023), Charles Lloyd recordings) [2000s-2020s]
Artists Influenced
- Berklee Woodwinds Students - Teaches and prepares next generation as Chair of Woodwinds (Berklee curriculum) [2010s-present]
Connection Network
External Links
Tags: #jazz, #post-bop
References
Heard on WWOZ
Walter Smith III has been played 5 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.