Walter Chancellor
Fuzionz Magazine had the opportunity to interview with, perhaps, one of the most talented and versatile musicians in the entertainment industry. He is none other than “The Saxophone Man” himself, the renowned Walter Chancellor. Walter’s ability to bring to us the soothing sounds of jazz, while showing off the finesse of his saxophone, is beyond measure.
Walter grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. He took his first interest to music in 1959, after his Dad passed away, leaving a collection of records with Walter’s mother. A friend named Bobby Statton would later become another big influential part of Walter's life,
as he looked up to him. Statton was a saxophonist, as well. Growing up, Walter was also inspired by such artists as James Brown, Marvin Gaye, the Beatles and Grover Washington Jr.
In 1987, Walter moved to Minneapolis, in pursuit of his music career. When asked what some of his greatest moments as a saxophonist has been, Walter replied, “One of my greatest moments was when Chaka Khan, Prince & Larry Graham were in the control room at Prince’s Paisley Park Studios and they all applauded after completing my solo on Chaka’s song “Reconsider (U Betta’) on her “Come To My House” record which Prince had produced for her. Another great moment was receiving a Platinum Record for my participation on Prince’s “Emancipation” record back in (1996).”
Walter currently holds a position teaching audio and music production at The Institute of Production & Recording (IPR) in Minneapolis, MN, for 12yrs. He just recently released his record “Hydroponic Jazz” which is available on iTunes. Walter continuously gives back to our youth’s welfare and community awareness, as he is one of the founders of the Twin Cities Mobile Jazz Project, in which free Jazz concerts are given in several Minneapolis parks throughout the summer and after school programs for kids, to give them an awareness of Jazz, as an American Art Form. He has also taught for the Ideawerks after school program for four years, in Minneapolis at Powderhorn Park, teaching and exposing kids to beat-making, basic music production and exposure to new technology for free. The program is offered to children 12 – 17yrs of age.
"Another great moment was receiving a Platinum Record for my participation on Prince’s “Emancipation” record back in (1996). "
We asked Walter to give those who are interested in becoming involved in the music industry some words of advice and this is what he had to say: “Learn a musical instrument, as this will give you prowess, a musical perspective and reference to the elements and rudiments of music. Keep up with the technology as it always moves forward.” His words of inspiration for those, both young and old to take with them in the future are, “Never give up!!!!!!”
Fuzionz Magazine and TV endorses Walter Chancellor, a great musician and humanitarian.
"The Saxophone Man"
Photo Courtesy of Walter Chancellor
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