Earnest Walker Jr & NuJazz
Miami, Florida, United States | SELF
Music
Press
“Smooth jazz and saxophone is nearly synonymous and it's a hard job to succeed in music business and especially in this genre where one can find so many professional instrumentalists - but I really believe that Earnest Walker Jr. can win the race. After his first album, Raindrops In The Sun, this album is his second effort to gain the attention of fans and industry professionals. Earnest proves that he knows the groove indeed and is well qualified to bend and shape it as he wishes and always to the delight of his audience.” ~HBH, smoothjazz.de, Germany - smoothjazz.de
“While sax loving urban jazz fans wait with baited breath for the next CDs from superstars Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum and Boney James, sometimes the freshest, most sensual and funky surprises come from lesser known but incredibly fresh indie artists like Earnest Walker Jr. The title of Earnest’s second album, Variations on a Groove, says it all about the mix of seductive cool and explosive rhythmic energy he’s bringing to the contemporary landscape. Check him out and you’ll realize that the best variations on a groove come from staying connected to the unexpected.” ~Jonathan Widran, Jazziz Magazine, All Music Guide - Jazziz Magazine
Discography
Albums:
Raindrops In The Sun -- 1998
Variations On A Grove -- 2006
Earnest Walker Jr - LIVE! Volume One -- 2011
Tracks Performed On:
Ebony Light Interlude
Ebony Light
Fine
Look Within (Word To The Rapper)
Cleopatra
Phone Conversations
Hot Water On Ice
soprano Interlude
If You Say So
Spicy
Headed To The Bottom
Raindrops In The Sun
Mark & Earnest
Welcome To The Party
Sweetest Things
P-Cola Bounce
Mysterious Kiss
Tiera's Dance
Cruisin Down Broad Street
Knockin At Your Door
Between The Sheets
Move Forward
Key West Sunset
Coolest Days
That's The Way Of The World
Variations On A Groove
I'm Out
IGBO Dance
Always There
Jazz Music
Let It Flow (For Dwayne Wade)
SouthBeach Summertime
Photos
Bio
Earnest Walkers solo career kicked off with the recording of his first album Raindrops in the Sun which he composed, arranged and produced and quickly sold over 2000 copies at his performances alone. Earnest spent the next several years honing his writing skills and live performances and recorded his second album Variations on a Groove in 2006. In 2011 Earnest produced his sensational 3rd album, "Earnest Walker Jr - LIVE!". This double CD was recorded completely live at Miami's Crescendo Jazz & Blues Lounge.
Born in a military family, Earnest spent the first 15 years of his life traveling the country. The experience taught him an appreciation of different cultures and musical styles. While still a very young child Earnest's Air Force family was stationed in Hawaii. There he befriended his neighbors, The Wooten family, whose house was continuously filled with live music. While Victor Wooten went on to become one of the most recognized bass players in the world, it was Rudy Wooten on the saxophone that really inspired Earnest. At the age of nine, Earnest started playing the guitar, but a year later he picked up the saxophone and it has been his passion ever since. When he was only 14 years old the established musicians in Pensacola, Florida felt his playing was so essential they would sneak Earnest into night clubs to showcase his talents.
Earnest studied music education at Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, quickly establishing himself as one of the most sought after saxophonists on campus and around town. After college, Earnest joined the Air Force
where he performed with different groups in each town he was stationed. After the military, Earnest toured and performed in most of the central to eastern portions of the country, including Miami, Daytona Beach, Charleston SC, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Atlanta, Tampa, Orlando, and Denver. In the late 90's Earnest moved to Philadelphia and became a member of the prestigious smooth jazz band "Blind Date".
On Stage
As solid, compelling and in the pocket as Walker is on disc, hes best known in the indie urban jazz world as a powerhouse performer whose hip gyrations, sax pumping and sense of swing guarantees that every crowd is in an uproar. A seasoned session player for more than 20 years, Walkers live performances always pack a punch! Earnest has opened for or joined on stage, such notable performers as Najee, Jill Scott, Mike Philips, Musiq Soulchild, Lenny Williams, Jesse Jones Jr, Marcus Anderson and more and he shines on stage with every performance.
Recent Performances:
31rst Annual Sistrunk Music Festival -- Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Jazz It Up 2011 at Virrick Park -- Coconut Grove, FL
Crescendo Jazz & Blues Lounge -- Miami, FL
The Grotto Hall -- Pensacola, FL
Cafe Iguanas -- Pembroke Pines, FL
Zanzibar Blue -- Philadelphia, PA
Talk Of The Town -- Durham NC
Band Members
Links
