AARON PARKS & WALTER SMITH III Duo

2026 marks one hundred years since the birth of John Coltrane. At the invitation of Bozar, Belgium’s Centre for Fine Arts, pianist Aaron Parks and saxophonist Walter Smith III have created a special duo program to honor the occasion, one with a particular focus on his ballads.

Coltrane is most often remembered as a mystic and a seeker, an innovative architect who kept rebuilding the language of his instrument. He was all of those things. He also had one of the most deeply lyrical voices in the music, and that is the side of him this program sets out to explore.

The two move between pieces Coltrane composed, ballads he made his own, and a few originals of their own written under his influence. Pared down to piano and tenor saxophone, the songs are given room to open up.

Aaron Parks is an acclaimed American jazz pianist and composer known for his innovative and introspective style. Born in Seattle, Washington, he began playing piano at a young age and quickly gained recognition for his exceptional talent. Parks studied at the University of Washington and the Manhattan School of Music, where he honed his craft under the tutelage of renowned pianist Kenny Barron. He is also a founding member of the acclaimed jazz quartet James Farm alongside Joshua Redman, Matt Penman, and Eric Harland.

His playing is characterized by its lyrical beauty, rhythmic complexity, and harmonic sophistication. He is celebrated for his ability to evoke emotion and introspection through his music, making him one of the most influential and respected jazz pianists of his generation.

Walter Smith III, originally from Houston, now resides in Boston, and is Chair of Woodwinds at Berklee College of Music, helping to prepare the next generation of young artists.

Although it may appear Smith is a new voice on the scene, he is widely recognized as an adept performer, accomplished composer, and inspired educator. To date, Walter has appeared on over 100 recordings that have been released worldwide, and is/has been a member of several influential groups.

In March of 2026, Smith releases his third album - TWIO Vol. 2 – a reprise of his acclaimed TWIO concept.