Walter Norris (b. December 27, 1931) is a pianist known primarily for his work inside the jazz world. December 27 is the 361st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (362nd in leap years). ... 1931 (MCMXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link is to a full 1931 calendar). ...

His playing is generally considered distinctive and uncategorizable. He played with Ornette Coleman, Charlie Mingus and the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Big Band, and has appeared on several notable albums, such as Coleman's first album and Chet Baker's last album. Ornette Coleman (born March 19, 1930) is an American saxophonist and composer. ... Charles Mingus Stamp issued by the USPS on September 16, 1995. ... Thad Jones Thaddeus Joseph Jones (March 28, 1923 - August 21, 1986) was an American jazz trumpeter. ... Mel Lewis (May 10, 1929 - February 2, 1990) was a drummer, Jazz musician and band leader. ...

Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on December 27, 1931, Norris first studied piano at home with his mother, then with John Summers, a local church organist. His first professional performances were with the Howard Williams Band in and around Little Rock during his junior high and high school years. Coordinates: Country United States State Arkansas County Pulaski Founded 1821 Incorporated 1831 Government  - Mayor Mark Stodola Area  - City  116. ...

After graduating from high school, Norris played briefly with Mose Allison, then did a two-year tour in the US Air Force. After his time in the Air Force, Norris played with Jimmy Ford in Houston, Texas, then moved to Los Angeles where he became an integral part of the West Coast Jazz scene. While in Los Angeles, he played on Jack Sheldon's first album and on Ornette Coleman's first album, Something Else! The Music of Ornette Coleman. Seal of the Air Force. ... Nickname: Location in the state of Texas Coordinates: Country United States State Texas Counties Harris County Fort Bend County Montgomery County Incorporated June 5, 1837 Government  - Mayor Bill White Area  - City  601. ... Flag Seal Nickname: City of Angels Location Location within Los Angeles County in the state of California Coordinates , Government State County California Los Angeles County Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (D) Geographical characteristics Area     City 1,290. ... West coast jazz is a form of jazz music that developed around Los Angeles at about the same time as hard bop jazz was developing in New York City, in the 1950s and 1960s. ... Jack Sheldon is an American jazz trumpeter, singer, and actor. ... Ornette Coleman (born March 19, 1930) is an American saxophonist and composer. ...

In 1960, Norris relocated to New York City and formed The Trio with guitarist Billy Bean and bassist Hal Gaylor, and the group made one album. Norris took a job at the New York City Playboy Club in 1963 and in time became the club's Director of Entertainment, staying there until 1970. Since 1998, Trey Anastasio, best known from Phish, has toured and recorded with a several backup bands, including several side-projects organized and led by guitarist and composer. ...

Between 1970 and 1974, Norris did free-lance performing and teaching in the New York area. In 1974, he replaced Roland Hanna in the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Band. After a tour of Scandinavia, he remained in Europe to record a duo album with Mraz, titled Drifting.

Back in the states, Norris joined the Charles Mingus Quintet in 1976. In the dressing room prior to a performance, according to Norris, he made the "unforgivable mistake" of calling Mingus 'Charlie' instead of 'Charles,' which angered Mingus. At that moment, the stage manager entered the room and told the musicians they were needed onstage immediately, which provided a temporary escape from confrontation (Mingus was known for his temper and, prior to this incident with Norris, had injured trombonist Jimmy Knepper). Norris quit the band and accepted a job in Berlin, Germany, as pianist with the Sender Fries Radio Orchestra. He moved to Berlin in January of 1977 and has lived there ever since. To this day he insists that his fear of Mingus was the primary cause of the move to Europe. Charles Mingus (April 22, 1922 – January 5, 1979), also known as Charlie Mingus, was an American jazz bassist, composer, bandleader, and occasional pianist. ... For other uses, see Berlin (disambiguation). ...

In 1990, Norris signed a five-album contract with Concord Records. The resulting recordings are all significant, but especially Sunburst (with saxophonist Joe Henderson), Hues of Blues (with bassist George Mraz), and the stunning Live at Maybeck Recital Hall (solo). Concord Records is a well-known Beverly Hills, California based jazz record label. ... Joe Henderson (April 24, 1937 - June 30, 2001) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. ...

In 1998, without a record contract, Norris self-financed the album "From Another Star", made in New York with bassist Mike Richmond. Though the album contains some of his best work, Norris only manufactured 1000 copies. From Another Star remains, much like Mr. Norris himself, relatively unknown. Mike Richmond (Born on 18 January 1978) is a musician who has worked both in the live forum with traditional instruments and electronically. ...

In July of 2006, Norris recorded again, this time at his home in Berlin with Los Angeles bassist Putter Smith. As of this writing, the recording has not been released. Categories: People stubs | 1941 births | James Bond actors ...

Walter Norris is now the subject of a documentary film, directed by Chuck Dodson, which is scheduled for release in 2007.

External links

• Walter Norris' own website

• Documentary film about Walter Norris.

• http://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=2928