Cedar Walton at the Iridium, September 27th, photo by Jim Eigo

September 27 (8 & 10 pm), Cedar Walton Trio. One of the famed alumni of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Cedar Walton is one of the most acclaimed—and busy—pianists of his generation. He recorded and/or played with Keny Dorham, J.J. Johnson, the Art Farmer/Benny Golson Jazztet and John Coltrane (Giant Steps) in the late 50s and early 60s, joining the Jazz Messenger in 1961 with Wayne Shorter and Freddie Hubbard. In the mid to late 60s, he worked as Abbey Lincoln’s accompanist, recorded with Art Farmer, Hank Mobley, Pat Martino, Charles McPherson and Lee Morgan, and served as “house pianist” for Prestige Records. He also co-lead a bop quartet with saxmen Clifford Jordan, George Coleman, or Ralph Moore; bassists Sam Jones or David Williams, and drummer Billy Higgins, an ensemble that became Eastern Rebellion in 1975.

Also in the mid 70s, Walton rejoined Blakey for a tour of Japan and again recorded with Art Farmer. During the mid 70s, Walton also headed Mobius and Soundscapes, experimenting with electric piano and funk grooves. Over the past two decades, he has continued touring and recording with his trio, appearing on the Muse, Evidence, Steeplechase, Verve, and now High Note labels. His most recent release, One Flight Down (High Note, 2007), highlights not only his great hard bop chops but also Walton’s underappreciated legacy as a composer of tunes such as “One Flight Down” and “The Rubber Man.” Joining him in tribute to Bud Powell will be long-time bassist David Williams and master drummer Joe Farnsworth.

Steve Kuhn©Robert Lewis

Vijay Iyer

Rachel Z

Tickets for each set of the Amazing Bud Powell Tribute at the Iridium are $30; call 212-582-2121 for reservations. The Iridium is located at 1650 Broadway at 51^st Street; www.iridiumjazzclub.com