Biography
Not a flashy player, Walter Booker was a reliable bassist and underrated stylist. His big tone and ability to play well in the bass’ highest register reflected his knowledge of vintage and contemporary approaches. He was also an above average bowed soloist. Booker played clarinet and alto sax in college with a concert band. He began on bass while in the service. Booker worked with Andrew White in Washington after his discharge, playing in the JFK Quintet during the early ’60s. He later worked with Donald Byrd, Sonny Rollins, Ray Bryant, Art Farmer, Milt Jackson, and Chick Corea in the ’60s, before joining Cannonball Adderley. Booker was in Adderley’s band from the late ’60s until Adderley’s death in 1975, regularly touring and recording. In the succeeding years, Booker played and recorded with the likes of Betty Carter, Nick Brignola, Billy Higgins, Richie Cole, Phil Woods, John Hicks, Pharoah Sanders, Nat Adderley, Arnett Cobb, and Clifford Jordan. He led the Walter Booker Quintet on a recording date for Mapleshade, Bookie’s Cookbook (2000), and can be heard on digital-era reissues by Adderley, Sanders, Jordan, and many others. ~ Ron Wynn