Jazz Musician. Born William Vincent Walker, he was a jazz violinist known for wide-range improvisation and intense performances. After serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, he settled in New York City, New York, pursuing his music career and becoming an important figure on the experimental jazz scene. In 1977, he co-founded his band the "String Trio" of New York, which started performing at recording sessions and jazz festivals. Signed to the Soul Note label, he released his first album "First String" (1979), followed by "Area Code 212" (1979). For the next three decades, as a composer, band leader and side man, his more then thirty album credits included "Invitation" (1982), "The Fire Within" (1984), "Natural Balance" (1986), "Bang On!" (1997) and "Big Bang Theory" (1999). In exploring his Vietnam War experience, he released the albums "Vietnam: The Aftermath" (2001) and "Vietnam: Reflections" (2005), recorded with a band which included several other veterans of that conflict. He died of cancer at age 63.
Jazz Musician. Born William Vincent Walker, he was a jazz violinist known for wide-range improvisation and intense performances. After serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, he settled in New York City, New York, pursuing his music career and becoming an important figure on the experimental jazz scene. In 1977, he co-founded his band the "String Trio" of New York, which started performing at recording sessions and jazz festivals. Signed to the Soul Note label, he released his first album "First String" (1979), followed by "Area Code 212" (1979). For the next three decades, as a composer, band leader and side man, his more then thirty album credits included "Invitation" (1982), "The Fire Within" (1984), "Natural Balance" (1986), "Bang On!" (1997) and "Big Bang Theory" (1999). In exploring his Vietnam War experience, he released the albums "Vietnam: The Aftermath" (2001) and "Vietnam: Reflections" (2005), recorded with a band which included several other veterans of that conflict. He died of cancer at age 63.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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