Walter Smith III live in Chiyoda

Experience Walter Smith III live on July 13th

Walter Smith III is a highly regarded American jazz saxophonist known for his modern, harmonically sophisticated approach to the tenor saxophone. His playing frequently draws comparisons to masters like Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson, while maintaining a distinctly contemporary voice. Smith’s work incorporates elements of post-bop, hard bop, and free improvisation, often featuring complex compositions and virtuosic solos. He has released several albums as a leader and has been a prominent sideman for artists like Terence Blanchard and Christian McBride.

The Cotton Club in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is a celebrated jazz venue with a history rooted in replicating the atmosphere of the original Harlem Cotton Club of the 1920s and 30s. Established in 1996, it’s known for its intimate setting and dedication to presenting both established international jazz artists and emerging Japanese talent. Unlike its namesake which historically excluded Black musicians from performing *on* stage, Tokyo’s Cotton Club actively welcomes diverse performers from around the globe. The club’s design aims to evoke the speakeasy feel of the Prohibition era while providing high-quality acoustics specifically tailored for live jazz performance.