20th Congress still gains a step in ten-year album gap

(Published by Planet JH Weekly)In the early to mid oughts, Robert Walter’s 20th Congress put on some very memorable performances atop the Knotty Pine and Mangy Moose stages (a free download of the August 11, 2004 concert from the Mangy Moose is attainable at Archive.org). It comes as no surprise that the 20th Congress’s first new album in a decade, Get Thy Bearings, could be likened to a funk keyboard master class; Walter’s B3 organ pushing and pulling with his opposite hand on electric piano, trading groove slots with alto sax and flute, all underscored by a polyrhythmic foundation.In addition to his work with the 20th Congress, many know Walter from recording and touring extensively with The Greyboy Allstars, the seminal funk-jazz ensemble he helped found almost two decades ago. He has branched further in recent years, releasing two solo albums and scoring music for TV and film. Not unlike his heroes—hard bop and soul jazz organist, the late Big John Patton is one—Walter performs all of his own stunts in a smoothly precise, deliberate and in an empathetic fashion a la Grant Green. JacksonHoleLive presents Robert Walter’s 20th Congress with guests Maw Band and Anna Shoemaker, 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at Snow King Ball Field. Also: Jackalope Motorcycle Rally (9 a.m.) and Suds & Sounds Brew Fest (2 to 7 p.m.) Free, all-ages. JacksonHoleLiveMusic.com.