Skip Walker is a jazz drummer/composer who credits influences as Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Elvin Jones and Jack DeJohnette. He is a graduate of the famed Berklee College of Music and got his first break at the age seventeen as the drummer for the New York based funk group The Fatback Band.In addition to keeping a busy performing schedule, he has taught jazz studies at The University of North Carolina (Pembroke), and Methodist University.
Tina’s Contemplation is drummer/composer Skip Walker’s jazz piano trio tribute to the late tenor saxophonist/Blue Note recording artist Harold “Tina” Brooks. Brooks is arguably one of Blue Note’s most underrated artists. Walker aims to sonically rediscover and reinterpret the genius of Tina Brooks with a few of the artist’s landmark compositions and a few original compositions dedicated to Brooks. The project features the seasoned playing of pianist Travis Shook and bassist Essiet Okon Essiet.
The album opens up with a swinging tune as the trio take us back to the tracks, and the train keeps going as this album is definitely a highlight for Skip, showing he’s got plenty of swing.
