Walt Dickerson

Walt Dickerson was a pioneering American jazz vibraphonist known for his innovative post-bop and free jazz explorations. He developed a highly individual style, using custom mallets to produce a rapid, metallic, yet plush sound that set him apart from predecessors like *Milt Jackson*. After gaining notice in the early 1960s and winning the Down Beat 'New Star' award in 1962, he recorded a series of influential albums for the #New Jazz# label, including 'This Is Walt Dickerson!' and 'To My Queen', often alongside collaborators like *Andrew Hill* and *Andrew Cyrille*. Following a decade-long hiatus, he returned in the mid-1970s, recording prolifically for #SteepleChase# and creating memorable duo albums with *Sun Ra*.