9th Annual IMA Submission Spotlight:
The Karl Walters Jr Trio

ARTIST NAME: The Karl Walters Jr Trio

HOMETOWN/CURRENTLY BASED: Brooklyn, NY

WEB SITE: www.kwjtrio.com

INFLUENCES: Kneebody, Mile Davis, Jaga Jazzist, the AACM

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
US Tour Winter 2007
Debut CD release Fall 2008
“Can We Go Back Where We Began?” called “fearless and fascinating” by JazzReview.com Winter 2009

WE SUBMITTED TO THE INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS BECAUSE… The power of independent music stems not from and individual artist, but in our collective ability to show the world what music can be when the artist themselves are in control.

9TH ANNUAL IMA JUDGE WE’RE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Vijay Iyer

I’M PROUD TO BE AN INDEPENDENT ARTIST BECAUSE:
I get to make my music my way, there’s no one pulling strings and moving money above me that can tell me to go at things a different way.

WHAT’S NEXT:
CD Feature in the summer issue of Progression Magazine.
Mini-tour featuring out showcase at the Midpoint Music Festival in September 2009 EP featuring Shane Endsley (Kneebody) and J. Granelli (Mr. Lucky) due out Winter 09/10.

WHAT MAKES YOUR BAND STAND OUT: We are a trio led by a trombone player, for one. An ever present desire to do something bigger and better, for another.

WHERE DO YOU TOUR?
Mainly in the North East and Midwest, but we’re expanding and are looking forward to making a tour out west next Spring.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE VENUE TO PLAY AND WHY?
Our home field would have to me Freddy’s Backroom in Brooklyn, we played our first show there and have been going back regularly ever since. It’s a really relaxed vibe and it’s great as an independent group to work with independent venues!