On Joe Louis Walker's Telarc debut he gives plenty of reason to take
a better look at what he is all about and also to listen more intently
than ever to his music and artistry. And not for the singular reason
of signing on with one of the world's premiere blues labels, there
is much more to it than that. It's the way he delivers his music
and words that forces you reflect further upon the man making the
music. Yes this is the blues, and its downright heartfelt and earthy if I say so myself.
As one reviewer notes on the AMG site regarding The Rolling Stones
song "2120 South Michigan Avenue,"- "It sounds like a Booker T & The
MG's B side." And it most certainly does. I really enjoyed the song,
for an instrumental it's superb. The guitar playing by Walker is searing
hot and inspired, and he doesn't reserve that energy for just that
one song. He travels to the Mississippi Delta on the closer "Strangers
In The House" and back to his roots in the church on the spiritually
inspired gospel track "Where Jesus Leads." "If This Is Love (I'd Rather
Have The Blues)" is a stereotypical blues song (lyrically), and it
rocks with a rhythm and soul that sweetens the pie. Walker covers
virtually the gamut of styles found within the blues genre, and he
does it all extremely well. I foresee a W.C. Handy nomination in the
future for this album.
The blues is da blues, make no mistake about it. The challenge is
to sound original without losing your focus and not doing more than
your share of covers and closing up shop. Joe Louis Walker has achieved
a career topping recording with "In The Morning."
Put it on in the morning, afternoon, or the evening, it doesn't matter,
it will always sound great. And it will forever be the blues.
1. You're Just About to Lose Your Clown - 5:11
2. In the Morning - 4:19
3. Joe's Jump - 5:00
4. Leave That Girl Alone - 5:17
5. Where Jesus Leads - 3:50
6. Strange Loving - 5:06
7. Do You Wanna Be With Me? - 6:11
8. If This Is Love (I'd Rather Have The Blues) - 3:11
9. 2120 South Michigan Avenue- 5:57
10. Strangers in Our House - 8:27
Credits:
Joe Louis Walker - Guitar, Arranger, Vocals
Steve Holley - Arranger, Drums
G.E. Smith - Guitar, Arranger
Andrea Re - Percussion, Vocals (bckgr)
T-Bone Wolk - Bass, Arranger
