There is something just so alive about Cedar Walton’s piano work here as well as throughout his long and celebrated career. Take the opening cut, a Walton original that he recorded with the Jazz Messengers during his stint with the legendary band from 1961-1964. Walton, a classy player with technique to burn, brings a certain human element to the table both as a composer and player. I guess it could be simply that thing called swing. The sixtysomething, Texas native, whose career includes performing and recording with a virtual Who’s Who of jazz—Wayne Shorter, Eddie Harris, Lou Donaldson, John Cultrate and more, is the consummate jazz man who brushes off the old chestnut “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” to reveal the succulent meat within its familiar shell. It’s a gorgeous rendition—not a remake—as Walton deftly defines the tunes ebb and flow with great understanding and compassion. Walton is joined on the program of originals and standards by a simpatico group of talented players with saxophonist/flautist Vincent Herring, bassist David Williams and drummer Kenny Washington. It’s a collective endeavor of great respect and good vibes as they take off on Walton’s classic composition “Back to Bologna.” A change of pace is found on the Walton-penned tune, “Thirty Degrees to the Windy” that receives an unusual reggae rhythm, a flavor which may be a bow to the tonally bold bassist Williams who is from Jamaica. Walton’s warm and tasty solo on the disc’s closer, “Bremond’s Blues,” that is accented by Washington’s apt interjections, sends the listener away still tappin’ their toes. Walton’s The Promised Land is yet another elegant jazz journey from a musician who has brought us so many.

Pianist Cedar Walton appears at the Contemporary Arts Center on December 7 as part of the JazzAmerica series. Filling out the trio are bassist David Williams and drummer Winard Harper.