Even though Joe Louis Walker has been receiving critical acclaim for his tough and original blues for years, I think he's been an under-appreciated force in the music for way too long. His latest CD, another of those mid-year Stony Plain releases that I'm just getting caught up on, is titled "Between a Rock and the Blues," and that's a pretty good description of where his music is located.
Walker has deep roots in blues and gospel and soul, all of which he turns into sharp-edged blues with gritty rock undertones plus overtones, combined with a keen eye for songs to cover, and with extra-fine songwriting gifts.
Best of of all is the way that he and his guitar have with any song. His expressive vocals dig deep, while his guitar doesn't just gently weep, it cries out loud for attention.
He's put together an excellent album here of some great covers and originals. Label-mate Duke Robillard produced and contributed one song (the bluesy "Tell Me Why," on which Duke plays stinging guitar behind Walker's mind-ending vocals. Here's an audio clip:
He keeps it up on a range of tracks, from the introspective but tough original "If There's a Heaven," featuring his strong slide work, to the gentle soulful blues of "Hallways." Whatever he puts his voice and strings to comes out as a passionate musical statement. With Bruce Katz leading on piano, Walker does a richly soulful turn on the Ray Charles tune, "Blackjack." Here's a clip of "Heaven."
Every track seems to come out just right, full of blues power, rocking when necessary, and always driven by the intensity of Walker's vocals.
You should like this album.
Here's a video of Walker on an old Big Joe Turner classic:
Posted
Nov 19 2009, 01:00 AM
by
Jim White