About Johnnie-Lee Walton

Alto saxophonist  Johnnie-Lee Walton was born in Norwich, CT and has been  playing 

professionally since 2000. His style imbues the straight ahead hard bop tradition with

fresh insight. Searching for a way to express himself melodically, Johnnie-Lee showed

an interest in music as a young child at the age of eight with the snare drum becoming 

his first instrument. At the age of twelve, Johnnie-Lee's love affair with the saxophone

began after hearing its euphonious (or sultry) sound and beholding its exquisite beauty.

Johnnie-Lee's path to the world of jazz first began when he attended the Hartt School of 

Music at the University of Hartford, which he attended from 1995-2000. While attending

Hartt, he studied with the late world-renowned jazz master Jackie McLean and with Kris

Jenson. Mr. McLean instilled in Johnnie-Lee respect for the jazz masters such as Charlie

Parker, Miles Davis, Bud Powell, and Thelonious Monk. Upon graduation Johnnie-Lee

immersed himself in the Hartford, CT jazz scene and southeastern CT area playing with

his own group the Johnnie-Lee Walton Jazz Quartet and as well as blues, funk and gospel 

bands.