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Jazz saxophonist Walter Smith III pays homage to his hometown of Houston with an album and concert | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 21:33 GMT by Houston Public Media

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A New Record Rooted in Place

Smith’s forthcoming album, titled Hometown Houston, captures the city’s diverse sonic palette. According to the article, the record contains nine tracks that weave together straight‑ahead swing, Latin‑inflected groove, and experimental improvisation. The opening tune, “River Road,” is a nod to the Clear Lake area where Smith grew up, while “Space City Blues” references Houston’s space‑program heritage. The mid‑section features “Sax in the Sky,” a duet with guitarist Omar Al‑Khouri that showcases Smith’s lyrical phrasing, and “Lonesome Moon,” a ballad that highlights his deep blues sensibilities. Each composition is imbued with a sense of place, and Smith explains that he used recordings of street sounds—bus horns, distant sirens, the hum of an oil refinery—to inform the ambient textures of the album.

Smith’s collaboration with Houston native drummer Marcus “Mookie” Jones, who also co‑produced the record, is a key highlight. The article quotes Smith, who says, “Marcus brings the kind of groove that feels like a Houston night out. He knows how to keep the city’s heartbeat alive on the drums.” The producer’s own experience as a session musician for a number of local acts—such as the gospel group Sunnyside Singers and the funk ensemble The Space Cadets—provides a grounding that makes the record feel both personal and polished.

A Concert that Celebrates Community

The feature outlines the schedule for Smith’s homecoming concert, slated for October 25 at the House of Blues. The venue’s capacity of 1,500 will host an audience that spans from long‑time jazz aficionados to young music students. Smith is set to perform the full Hometown Houston album, followed by a showcase of his earlier works. According to the article, the concert will also feature a “Community Jam” where local musicians—high‑school players, veteran saxophonists, and emerging producers—will join Smith on stage. In the piece’s accompanying interview, Smith states that the jam “is a way of passing the torch. Houston has always been a community of musicians who support each other, and this concert is a celebration of that tradition.”

The event is also linked to an educational outreach program. Smith has partnered with the Houston Music Education Initiative (HMEI) to offer a series of workshops in the lead‑up to the concert. The article notes that the workshops, held in the Houston Public Library’s music department, will cover topics such as improvisation techniques, the history of jazz in Houston, and the business side of touring. Smith himself will conduct a masterclass on “The Art of the Alto Sax,” sharing insights into tone production and melodic development.

The Wider Context of Houston Jazz

The article references a 2023 profile of Houston’s jazz scene, which highlights the city’s growing reputation as a fertile ground for innovative musicians. It cites local venues such as the Rice‑University Café, the Houston Symphony’s downtown satellite, and the legendary Bluebird Café, where Smith has played extensively over the years. The Houston Jazz Society’s annual “Houston Jazz Festival” also provided a platform for Smith’s earlier album Urban Solace to reach a national audience. By weaving these contextual threads, the article frames Hometown Houston as a culmination of Smith’s artistic evolution, a response to the city’s own changing musical landscape.

Critical Reception and Anticipated Impact

Smith’s previous releases have earned him critical acclaim in publications such as Down Beat and JazzTimes. The article cites a favorable review from JazzTimes, where critic John Lee called Urban Solace “a soulful testament to the resilience of the Houston jazz community.” Smith’s current project is expected to build on that reputation. According to the piece, the record will be available on streaming platforms, vinyl, and CD, with a portion of proceeds earmarked for the Houston Public Library’s Music Education Fund.

Personal Touches and Family Roots

A recurring theme in the article is the influence of Smith’s family. His father, a trumpet player in a regional gospel choir, introduced him to the power of rhythm and harmony at a young age. Smith shares that his mother, a schoolteacher, encouraged him to write his own music, which led to his first composition, “Starlight Alley,” performed on his first public gig at age 15. These familial stories are woven into the narrative of Hometown Houston, underscoring how the city’s community and his family’s musical heritage shape his artistry.

Looking Ahead

While the article primarily celebrates the upcoming album and concert, it also hints at future projects. Smith has announced plans to collaborate with the Houston Chamber Orchestra on a hybrid concert that fuses jazz improvisation with classical orchestration. He also plans to produce a documentary series titled Houston Soundscape, which will explore the city’s musical landmarks and highlight emerging talents.

In sum, the Houston Public Media feature paints a vivid portrait of Walter Smith III’s return to his roots. By blending a meticulously crafted album, a community‑centered concert, and a broader dialogue about Houston’s jazz identity, Smith demonstrates how music can both honor and transform the places that inspire it. The article invites readers to witness a moment where one city’s spirit is celebrated through the language of improvisation, offering a fresh, heartfelt addition to the ever‑evolving story of Houston’s musical legacy.