Nancy Walker - New Hieroglyphics (2011)

New Hieroglyphics is the latest release from Toronto jazz pianist and composer Nancy Walker. Comprising eleven of her original compositions in styles that range from the lyrical to the abstract, New Hieroglyphics is Walker’s most intrepid effort yet. Predominantly a quartet date (save for individual piano trio and solo piano tracks) the CD features guitarist Ted Quinlan, bassist Kieran Overs and drummer Ethan Ardelli. Walker’s compositions reflect her view of the age we live in - at times intense, at times poignant, at times cerebral.

Nancy Walker has been a mainstay of the Canadian jazz scene for more than fifteen years, praised for her work as a side player (live and in the studio) with instrumentalists and singers alike – from Ottawa bassist John Geggie, to Vancouver vocalist Karin Plato, to Toronto saxophonist Kirk MacDonald, to Swedish transplant, guitarist Mikko Hildén. She was voted Keyboardist of the Year at the 2008 National Jazz Awards and won the Grand Prix de Jazz at the 2003 Montreal International Jazz Festival. Her CD Rainy Days and Mondays was nominated for a JUNO Award as Instrumental Album Of The Year in 2006.

“A gifted pianist and composer, Nancy Walker is possessed of a lyricism that can suggest lapping water and bright skies, and a contrasting rhythmic drive. A former student of Fred Hersch, she builds on a tradition of romantic jazz piano that has deep roots in the harmonic innovations of Bill Evans.” Stuart Broomer, Toronto Life Magazine

“Harmonically she's influenced by the usual suspects—Evans, Hancock, Jarrett, etc.—but her delicate touch and denser harmonic constructs brings to mind British pianist John Taylor as well…Walker's music is easy on the ears, but don't mistake that for lacking in interest or challenge, because she masks an advanced harmonic concept within an accessible veneer.” John Kelman, All About Jazz This recording was made possible with the assistance of The Ontario Arts Council