JOE LOUIS WALKER

“In The Morning”

Telarc Records

The name Joe Louis Walker is synonymous with blues music as a result of his numerous recording efforts since the mid 1980’s. Coupled with frequent guest appearances on recordings from the likes of James Cotton and B.B. King, playing in the Willie Dixon Dream Band, and being a part of multiple blues tribute shows, Joe Louis Walker’s recent signing with Telarc and his latest release “In the Morning” signify what is expected to be a quality blues musical effort from a legendary musician. After a listen or two to “In the Morning”, however, it becomes quite clear that Joe Louis Walker has something even greater to offer.

Born in San Francisco in December of 1949, Walker left home at the age of 16 to follow his musical calling and live with guitarist Mike Bloomfield in Haight-Ashbury. By the 1970’s, Walker had left the blues scene behind and turned to religion, and for years immersed himself in gospel music. Walker returned to the blues with his 1986 debut album and has been at it ever since. “In the Morning” represents his debut on Telarc, and showcases not only his blues talents, but also incorporates his gospel roots, along with ample doses of soul, funk, and rhythm and blues music. Guitarist G.E. Smith offers a tasteful variety of uptempo shuffles and melodic, soulful harmonies throughout. The opening number “You’re Just About to Lose Your Clown”, for example, gets things moving in a hurry, and the fast-driving “2120 South Michigan Avenue” (a Jagger/Richards instrumental) is as good as any example of a band clicking to perfection with one another during a musical jam, hilighted by Smith’s creative soloing. “Leave That Girl Alone” offers a smoky, bluesy feel, while tracks like “Do You Wanna Be With Me” and “Where Jesus Leads” bring out more of a Sam Cooke song-writing style. As a whole, “In the Morning” is well-crafted and well-performed from start to finish. G.E. Smith’s guitar playing shines, and Joe Louis Walker does a terrific job of showcasing his vast musical experiences into one complete package.

- Don Sikorski

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