Walter Smith III is recognized as one of the world's greatest saxophonists of his generation - an adept performer, accomplished composer, and inspired educator. Smith will release his 5th album as a leader, Twio in February of 2018 on Whirlwind Recordings, featuring his longtime trio of Harish Raghavan and Eric Harland including guest appearances by Christian McBride and Joshua Redman. For his Euro Launch tour, Walter will be touring with three luminaries in bassist Michael Janisch, drummer Greg Hutchinson and guesting on each set is alto saxophonist Logan Richardson.

In the jazz tradition, Smith has developed under the wings of many of the music’s greats. Walter is/has been a member of several legendary groups (recording and/or touring) including the Roy Haynes Fountain of Youth Band, Terence Blanchard Quintet, Eric Harland’s “Voyager”, Jason Moran’s In My Mind:Monk at Town Hall, Ambrose Akinmusire Quintet, the Christian McBride “Situation”, Christian Scott group and the Sean Jones Quintet to name a few. Smith has performed all over the world participating in virtually every international festival as well as famed venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Village Vanguard, and the Kennedy Center. In addition, he has shared the stage and/or appeared on recordings with many Jazz notables including Mulgrew Miller, Eric Reed, Billy Childs, Joe Lovano, Herbie Hancock, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Terri Lynne Carrington, Bill Stewart, Ralph Peterson, and a host of others. To date, Walter has appeared on over 100 recordings that are released worldwide. Smith endorses D’Addario Woodwinds reeds and accessories, Fred LeBayle Mouthpieces, and Electro-Voice Microphones.