Robert Walter's 20th Congress stands out in today’s resurgence of eclectic jazz/funk acts for their lively and innovative approach to new jazz styles. This keyboard wizard leads his band - and their sizable national fan base - through adventurous but always soulful musical landscapes, and is building a reputation as one of America's finest jazz-funk keyboardists. Drawing on material from Grant Green to Reuben Wilson, the 20th Congress is not afraid to stretch out, and their performances have garnered a reputation among both traditional and contemporary music lovers as an event not to be missed.
20th Congress is bassist Chris Stillwell (Greyboy Allstars, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe), saxophonist Cochemea Gastulem, drummer Joe Ruso (Russo & Benevento, Fat Mama) and guitarist Will Bernard.
Robert Walter's latest release, There Goes the Neighborhood is, in his own words, a "tribute to the great soul-jazz records of the 1960's." Produced by Brian Brinkerhoff and featuring an all- star lineup of jazz and funk trailblazers such as Harvey Mason (drums), Red Holloway (saxophone), Chuck Rainey (bass) and Phil Upchurch (guitar), There Goes the Neighborhood proves that the young Walter can play with the best of them. Highlights of the record include the title track, a Walter original brimming with energy and soul; Walter's re-make of the Blues classic "My Babe;"and an original contributed by drummer Mason called "The Tease," which features one of the most slammin' grooves ever put on record.
