Joe Louis Walker
Witness To The Blues
Stony Plain Records
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![Joe Louis Walker](images/jlwalke7.jpg)
Over the past 20 or so years, Joe
Louis Walker has been one of the most prolific,
and most versatile, artists playing the blues.
Although his roots are in the blues, he’s always
managed to incorporate gospel, soul, and jazz into
his sound, which is what makes his recordings so
compelling. You can always be assured that on most
new recordings, Walker is not treading on familiar
turf. There’s always something new and interesting
to absorb from his new releases, which is also the
case with Walker’s latest effort, Witness To The
Blues (Stony Plain).
Produced by Duke Robillard, the new disc features a mix
of new tunes written by Walker and some interesting cover choices. The
cover tunes include the funky J. J. Malone tune, “It’s A Shame,” a
reworking of the old Peggy Scott/Jo Jo Benson soul tune, “Lover’s
Holiday," which features Shemekia Copeland, and invigorating remakes of
the old classics “Rollin’ & Tumblin’” and “Sugar Mama.” Walker has
always relied on original tunes for the most part on his releases, but
has always shown impeccable taste in cover tunes, relying on either
seldom-heard lost treasures or fresh reinterpretations of old chestnuts.
Walker’s original compositions are a diverse set,
ranging from the ’50s-era rocker, “Midnight Train,” to the Chicago slow
blues sound of “Hustlin’,” a standout track which features an
outstanding guitar solo from Walker. “Witness” is a wistful gospel tune
and one of many that feature Bruce Katz on keyboards. “Highview” is a
mid-tempo instrumental featuring Walker and Robillard trading licks. The
pair unplug for the acoustic blues, “I Got What You Need,” which
features slide guitar from Walker. “Keep On Believin’” is a smooth soul
ballad, while “100% More Man” features some more inspired slide from
Walker.
Walker, as always, sounds terrific. Robillard’s
production work is first-rate and the backing musicians are outstanding,
including Katz on keyboards, Mark Teixeira on drums, Jon Ross on bass,
Todd Sharpville on guitar, Doug James on baritone and tenor sax, and
Scott Aruda on trumpet.
Witness To The Blues is another in a long line of
great Joe Louis Walker releases. Newcomers will love it as much as his
longtime fans.
--- Graham Clarke