Walter Kittle

CONTEMPORARY JAZZ bassist

Tampa Bay, FL

 

Dr. Kittle brings healing and calm to a stressful world.

Walter's journey into international smooth jazz began with his catchy debut, "Ain't No Sushi When She's Gone," produced by Grammy-nominated Nate Harasim. This track, featuring guitar legend Nils and saxophonist Phil Denny, quickly gained traction on Smoothjazz.com and landed on the Smoothjazz.net Top 100 chart.

After relocating to sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, Walter continued to climb the charts with the title track “She Fire” from his 2022 EP, "Jazz By the Sea," dedicated to his then-girlfriend and now wife, Robin Bleier.

In 2023, Walter's follow-up, "Surrounded by Love," showcased the talents of smooth jazz saxophonist Marion Meadows and stayed on the Smooth Jazz Top 100 for over 15 weeks.

“In a genre where dynamic grooves and lively melodies usually take precedence over true instrumental storytelling, Walter Kittle stands out via his authenticity and heartfelt expression”
— Jonathan Widran, Jazziz, The JW Vibe Magazine

Proving his consistent success and esteemed status in the smooth jazz community, Walter's latest high-energy single, "Absolute Love," released in 2024, features top talents like guitarist Nils, saxophonist Gerald Albright, pianist Mitchel Forman, and bassist Brian Bromberg. It became the nation's #1 most added smooth jazz track.

Walter Kittle’s journey is a testament to the power of music and resilience. After a performance, a woman shared with him how his album lifted her from a dark place, saving her life. This profound moment affirmed Walter's mission: music heals.

“After a gig, a woman came up to me and told me she was at a very low place, was contemplating suicide…She happened to put on my album and through the music, decided not to take her life. That’s the power of music, and confirmation that I made the right choice.
”
— Walter Kittle

Driven by his passions for music, science, and helping others, Walter's path began at Michigan State University as a music performance major on scholarship. Seeking a more stable career, he switched to pre-med and biochemistry, later earning a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine degree from Palmer University. He practiced in Lansing, Michigan, for 35 years, combining his chiropractic work with local music gigs and church performances.

However, a severe back injury ended his chiropractic career, plunging him into physical and emotional pain. During his rehabilitation, Walter had an epiphany: he could continue healing through music. Returning to his first love, he found that music could bring the same comfort and healing he once provided through his medical practice.

Now living in Tampa Bay with his wife, Robin Bleier, and their two rescue dogs, Jet and June Bug, Walter creates music that heals and uplifts. Robin, his co-Executive Director, adds charming flute elements to his recent songs, "Surrounded by Love" and "Absolute Love." Together, they continue to bring joy and healing from their seaside home.

Walter now has a new radio project in the works along with his producer Nils.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

VENUE & FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Lansing Center – Lansing, MI (opened for Chicago)
Charlotte Performing Arts Center – Charlotte, MI (opened for The Lettermen with Don Sovey Band)
Hastings Jazz Festival – Hastings, MI (w/ Horn & Holland)
Michigan Chicken Wing Festival – Lansing, MI (w/ gospel singer Anna Maria)
Big Ticket Festival – Gaylord, MI (Michigan’s largest Gospel music festival)
Live TV broadcast – Nashville, TN (Christian Music Awards)
Music in the Park- Holt, MI (w/ Billy Mac)
Bakers keyboard Lounge – Detroit, MI (guest soloist w/ Steve Somers Band)

PRESS

 SAMPLE RECORDINGS