I Remember Cedar

Released in 2014, I Remember Cedar is David Hazeltine's heartfelt homage to the legendary pianist and composer Cedar Walton, who passed away shortly before the recording. Hazeltine, a longtime admirer and friend of Walton, selects a repertoire that highlights Walton's compositional genius, including staples like 'Holy Land' and 'Clockwise.' The album is a quintessential example of modern post-bop, characterized by Hazeltine's signature 'contemporary-classic' style: he retains the soulful, blues-inflected language of hard bop while infusing it with complex, modern re-harmonizations. Recorded with a world-class trio, the production emphasizes a natural, 'in-the-room' hi-fi sound. Critics noted the album for its balance of reverence and innovation, particularly praising Hazeltine's ability to capture Walton's rhythmic 'snap' while maintaining his own distinctively polished voice. It stands as a significant entry in Hazeltine's prolific discography, serving as both a memorial and a showcase of his status as a premier jazz educator and performer.