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Walter Duda
Artist Information Walter Duda is a self-taught musician (piano) and vocalist from New England and a writer and publisher member of ASCAP. He has co-founded an independent record label, negotiated a national distribution agreement and achieved significant radio air play of his music worldwide. He was born in Connecticut, graduated from The University of Detroit with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and also attended Fairfield University and Wayne State University graduate schools. After a year of teaching a foreign language on the high school level, he decided that music is his language of choice. With his earliest influences in music, he identified with Rock & Roll singers Dion and Bobby Darin. Then he became a fan of the vocal harmony arrangements of Brian Wilson (Beach Boys), The Beatles and The Hollies. While in Detroit, he was influenced by the rhythms and grooves of The Motown Sound. Next, progressive rock groups Yes and King Crimson caught his imagination. Eventually jazz fusion keyboardists Brian Auger and Geoge Duke inspired him to switch from playing guitar to piano. As a songwriter, his influences include Michael Franks, Mose Allison and Bobby Caldwell. His first musical composition placed him as a finalist in a scholarship contest sponsored by The Berklee College of Music, Boston. George Butler of CBS Records heard him at an audition in New York City and at a solo performance at Catch A Rising Star and arranged for him to record a voice and piano demo at the legendary A&R Recording in Manhattan. He has since recorded his original music with top New York City session players including Will Lee (David Letterman tv show), Jimmy Madison, Joel Rosenblatt (Spyro Gyra), Chris Parker (Stuff), John Tropea and Dave Weckl and has performed in many NYC music venues. He has been mentioned in The New York Times, Playbill (program for Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center), The Village Voice (NY), Connecticut Post, Fairfield County Weekly, New Haven Register and Radio and Records. His songs have been included in top selling compilations (Jazz, Vol.1 by Online Artist Network and WSVNRadio.net Hall of Fame, Vol.8). He has been selected as Featured Artist (Jazzman.com), voted Favorite Artist Of The Week (SkyJazz.com), included in the Very Best Of program (JazzLynx.net-Canada's Smooth Jazz Connection) and has appeared on Manhattan Cable, Century Cable (Los Angeles) and Cablevision of Connecticut.
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Kindred Spirits: New CD release by songwriter Walter Duda
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Walter Duda
Kindred Spirits is the latest release by songwriter, pianist and vocalist Walter Duda on World Alert Records. The CD contains all original compositions by Duda. Featured musicians include Will Lee, Chris Parker, Joel Rosenblatt, Don and Bill Harris, Tim DeHuff and others.
About Walter Duda
Walter Duda is a self-taught musician from New England, born in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He graduated from The University of Detroit with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and also attended Fairfield University and Wayne State University ...
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New CD Release by Walter Duda
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All About Jazz
Notes From The Coast is the latest release by pianist and composer Walter Duda, who has achieved significant radio air play of his music world wide. The CD contains all original compositions and was produced in New York City by Jeff Jones (Wynton Marsalis, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Dr. John). Featured musicians include bassist Will Lee (David Letterman Show, CBS), drummer Chris Parker (Stuff, Saturday Night Live, NBC), guitarists John Tropea (Blues Bros., Deodato) and Tim DeHuff and saxophonist Bill ...
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New CD release by Pianist Walter Duda
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All About Jazz
The new CD release by songwriter, singer and pianist Walter Duda contains all original compositions. The recording was produced in New York City at Satellite Studios by Jeff Jones. Musicians include bassist Will Lee (David Letterman Show, CBS), drummers Joel Rosenblatt (Spryo Gyra) and Jimmy Madison, guitarist Tim DeHuff, saxophonist Danny Wilensky (Steve Winwood), trumpeter Reggie Pittman and The Harris Bros. Horns (Bill Harris-sax, Don Harris-trumpet, fleugelhorn). Walter Duda is a self-taught musician who achieved significant radio air play of ...
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"Calm, cool and collected sets the flavor for DayLight Again. Duda caresses the piano and synthesizer with smooth grooves like Valerie, No Matter What and Deep Into The Night. He dabbles with some vocal songs and perky tunes like Manhattan Island. Daylight Again presents alternate sides of Duda's musical background and influences. Even though I prefer the smooth tracks previously mentioned, DayLight Again explores the territory of smooth jazz with skillful consciousness and versatility. Stations are picking up on this talent expressed through the sounds of this project and recognizing a dawning star in fastly approaching profound recognition." Reviewed by Fred Scott, ContemporaryJazz.com
Primary Instrument
Piano
Willing to teach
Beginner to advanced
Credentials/Background
New England Music Academy, New Haven, CT private lessons: Fairfield & New Haven counties (CT)
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Music
Head In That Direction
From: Notes From The CoastBy Walter Duda