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Walt Dickerson

Dickerson made a fairly 'big splash' when his first recordings appeared in the early 60s (Down Beat Critics Poll "New Star", 1962), but he's remained an enigmatic figure ever since. His early sides demonstrated a sure grasp of the Hampton/Jackson continuum in blazing through standards, but his original compositions on those dates reflected a spiritual, even mystical flavor that was expanded on in recordings into the early 80s.

Dickerson's distinctive melodic and rhythmic approach is complemented by his unique timbre on what is often a cold-sounding and unwieldly instrument - his use of rubber mallets specially-treated to produce a plush and very warm yet crisp sound, immediately recognizable. Of all his recordings, most are in the trio format, none larger than a quintet (with two drummers!), and no horn players appear. There is an underlying current of turbulence yet an overall air of serenity to his work.

Also curious (and frustrating to his small but devoted group of devotees) are Dickerson's long periods of inactivity; no recordings exist between 1966 and 1975, and his last released LP was in 1982. Word has it that he still performs sporadically around his native Philadelphia, even more rarely in New York and the west coast. (Anyone with more information is implored to contact the author!)

Among his more noted collaborators are Sun Ra (both in the 60s and 70s) and Andrew Cyrille, who performed on the great majority of Dickerson's recordings from 1961 (possibly Cyrille's first major recording?) through 1982. Source: Damon Short

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199
Album Review

Walt Dickerson: A Patch of Blue

Read "A Patch of Blue" reviewed by Derek Taylor


The number of recordings featuring Sun Ra as a sideman can easily be counted one hand and this disc’s near legendary status in the fringes of jazz folklore stems largely from his presence here in just such a capacity. Dickerson’s sparse 60’s discography is even greater reason to celebrate the reissue of this previously scarce material. Add to these factors the strange nature of the music itself, a series of improvisations based on the score to a relatively obscure film ...

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164

Obituary

Vibes for Walt: Walt Dickerson, R.I.P.

Vibes for Walt: Walt Dickerson, R.I.P.

Source: All About Jazz


Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Vibes In Motion

Criss Cross Jazz
2006

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A Patch of Blue

Verve Music Group
1999

buy

Shades Of Love

Criss Cross Jazz
1997

buy

Relativity

Criss Cross Jazz
1995

buy

Visions

Criss Cross Jazz
1988

buy

Tenderness

Criss Cross Jazz
1985

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