About Johnnie-Lee Walton

Alto saxophonist Johnnie-Lee Walton has been playing professionally since 2000. His style imbues   the straight ahead hard bop

tradition with fresh insight. Johnnie-Lee was born in Norwich, CT. and he  first took an interest in music when he was eight. His

first instrument was the snare drum. While he was still a child Johnnie-Lee was searching for a way to express himself melodically. 

This led to his love affair with the saxophone the instrument he fell in love with at first sight and hearing at age twelve.  Johnnie-Lee's

path to the world of jazz first began when he attended the Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford 1995-2000. At Hartt he studied with 

the late world-renowned jazz master Jackie McLean and with Kris Jenson. At  Hartt Mr. McLean instilled 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 and well as blues, funk and gospel bands.