A gifted journeyman pianist who emerged out of the New York bebop scene, Walter Bishop, Jr. first appeared on numerous modern jazz recordings before leading his own vital hard bop sessions. Building upon the influence of Bud Powell, Bishop was noted for his swinging, behind-the-beat style and deft use of tension and release. Following vital recordings with Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and Stan Getz, he made his solo debut with 1961's Speak Low. He also spent several years on the West Coast, teaching and releasing his own albums on the Black Jazz Label including 1971's Coral Keys. Moving back East, he continued teaching and releasing albums for the last two decades of his life, like 1977's Soul Village, 1988's Just in Time, and 1990's What's New.