Walter Smith III

Walter Smith III

Modern Jazz Innovator

A leading voice in contemporary jazz, Walter Smith III is a highly respected saxophonist and composer whose lyrical playing and harmonic sophistication define a new era of improvisation.

modern jazzpost-bopcontemporary jazz
19.2k followerswaltersmith3.com@wsmiththree

About

Walter Smith III is an acclaimed tenor saxophonist, composer, and educator recognized for his distinctive sound and inventive improvisations. Hailing from Houston, Texas, he has carved out a significant presence in the modern jazz landscape, influencing a generation of musicians with his innovative approach.

Music Style

His music blends post-bop traditions with contemporary sensibilities, characterized by elegant melodic lines, rich harmonic textures, and a profound rhythmic command, often exploring intricate original compositions.

Background

Hometown
Houston, Texas
Education
Berklee College of Music, The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz
Instruments
saxophone (tenor)
Active
2000s-present

Similar Artists

If you like Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Ambrose Akinmusire, Mark Turner — you'll love this artist

Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah
Shares a similar modern jazz aesthetic and has frequently collaborated with Smith.
90%
Ambrose Akinmusire
Part of the same generation of influential jazz musicians, known for their innovative and harmonically rich compositions and improvisations.
90%
Mark Turner
Known for his cerebral and harmonically sophisticated tenor saxophone playing, which aligns with Smith's approach to improvisation and composition.
80%

Notable Collaborations

Christian ScottAmbrose AkinmusireEric HarlandJason MoranTerence BlanchardRoy HaynesJoe LovanoHerbie HancockBilly ChildsDave Holland
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Upcoming Events

Walter Smith III TWIO

Village Vanguard

Saxophone

Mar 11

Walter Smith III TWIO

Village Vanguard

Saxophone

Mar 11

Walter Smith III TWIO

Village Vanguard

Saxophone

Mar 12

Walter Smith III TWIO

Village Vanguard

Saxophone

Mar 12

Walter Smith III TWIO

Village Vanguard

Saxophone

Mar 13

Walter Smith III TWIO

Village Vanguard

Saxophone

Mar 13

Walter Smith III TWIO

Village Vanguard

Saxophone

Mar 14

Walter Smith III TWIO

Village Vanguard

Saxophone

Mar 14

Walter Smith III TWIO

Village Vanguard

Saxophone

Mar 15

Walter Smith III TWIO

Village Vanguard

Saxophone

Mar 15

Past Events

Countdown 2026 Coltrane Festival I: Melissa Aldana, Walter Smith III & George Garzone Sextet

Smoke Jazz Club

tenor saxophone • Headliner

Dec 15

Countdown 2026 Coltrane Festival I: Melissa Aldana, Walter Smith III & George Garzone Sextet

Smoke Jazz Club

tenor saxophone • Headliner

Dec 15

Countdown 2026 Coltrane Festival I: Melissa Aldana, Walter Smith III & George Garzone Sextet

Smoke Jazz Club

tenor saxophone • Headliner

Dec 14

Countdown 2026 Coltrane Festival I: Melissa Aldana, Walter Smith III & George Garzone Sextet

Smoke Jazz Club

tenor saxophone • Headliner

Dec 14

Countdown 2026 Coltrane Festival I: Melissa Aldana, Walter Smith III & George Garzone Sextet

Smoke Jazz Club

tenor saxophone • Headliner

Dec 14

Countdown 2026 Coltrane Festival I: Melissa Aldana, Walter Smith III & George Garzone Sextet

Smoke Jazz Club

tenor saxophone • Headliner

Dec 13

Countdown 2026 Coltrane Festival I: Melissa Aldana, Walter Smith III & George Garzone Sextet

Smoke Jazz Club

tenor saxophone • Headliner

Dec 13

Countdown 2026 Coltrane Festival I: Melissa Aldana, Walter Smith III & George Garzone Sextet

Smoke Jazz Club

tenor saxophone • Headliner

Dec 13

Countdown 2026 Coltrane Festival I: Melissa Aldana, Walter Smith III & George Garzone Sextet

Smoke Jazz Club

tenor saxophone • Headliner

Dec 12

Countdown 2026 Coltrane Festival I: Melissa Aldana, Walter Smith III & George Garzone Sextet

Smoke Jazz Club

tenor saxophone • Headliner

Dec 12

Showing 10 of 12 past events

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