Walter Smith III and Kurt Rosenwinkel

Philadelphia-born jazz guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel is known for his innovative style and collaborations with artists like Gary Burton and Paul Motian. Influenced by Pat Metheny, he gained fame with albums like "The Next Step" and "Deep Song." A professor in Germany, he later focused solely on performance, founding Heartcore Records and exploring diverse styles including Brazilian music and jazz standards. An NEA Composer's Award winner, he remains a dynamic force in contemporary jazz.

Houston-born saxophonist Walter Smith is a renowned jazz performer, composer, and educator. Known for his cool, sophisticated style, he’s played with legends like Roy Haynes, Terence Blanchard, and Christian McBride, and featured on 100+ recordings.