Joe Louis Walker
By Mike O’Cull
Blues Hall of Fame member, Grammy Award nominee, and four-time Blues Music Award winner Joe Louis Walker adds another release to his already more-than-impressive career with his new record Blues Comin’ On. Released June 5th, 2020 by Cleopatra Records, Blues Comin’ On pairs Walker’s exceptional guitar and vocal skills with a variety of A-List special guests, including Keb Mo’, Jorma Kaukonen, Eric Gales, Albert Lee, Mitch Ryder, Lee Oskar, John Sebastian, and Waddy Wachtel. All of this horsepower makes Blues Comin’ On an amazing listen from one end to the other and reaffirms Walker’s status as one of the finest artists in today’s contemporary scene. His playing and singing have never sounded better and his presence is larger than life, as always.
Originally from San Francisco, California, Walker has become a torchbearer and a boundary-pusher for the blues, crafting an immediately identifiable style over the course of his 26 albums. He’s a bona fide living legend who continues to grow, elevate his game, and write music no one else could. Walker is a favorite of blues fans around the globe and has appeared at every significant venue and festival out there. He is one of the artists helping to define the direction of modern blues and any new music from him is just cause for celebration.
Walker kicks the record off with the gritty, socially conscious funk of “Feed The Poor.” It’s a heavy, relevant track that teams him up with Jefferson Airplane/Hot Tuna star Jorma Kaukonen, a pairing that’s wildly successful. The song is a plea for help on behalf of the most marginalized people in the world and both men dig in deep and treat it right. The title cut, “Blues Coming On,” follows and finds Walker getting down with Eric Gales, who is an extraordinary talent on every level. Their guitars and voices intertwine on this mid-tempo hip-shaker and convey the essence of blues music perfectly. Walker and Gales both inhabit the upper echelon of current blues musicians and create an intensity together that’s practically flammable.
“Someday, Someway” downshifts Walker’s energy into a sweet soul ballad that features Carla Cooke, Sam Cooke’s daughter, on vocals and the great Lee Oskar from War on harmonica. Walker demonstrates his wide stylistic range here and lets his emotive vocals carry the day. His chemistry with Carla Cooke is silky smooth beyond measure and will carry their vibes straight to your heart. “The Thang” gets Joe back on the funk with Jesse Johnson, the legendary guitarist from 80s icons The Time. It’s an old-school dancefloor filler with a huge groove and plenty of hot guitar work. Johnson stretches way out on his solo break and takes us all along for the ride.
Walker works with fellow blues superstar Keb Mo’ and 60s stalwart John Sebastian from The Lovin’ Spoonful on the vintage shuffle “Old Time Used To Be.” It’s another outstanding dance tune filled to the top with energy and fun. “Seven More Steps” is a more rock-oriented song that puts Walker together with British guitar slinger Albert Lee, a certified super-picker best known for his years with country queen Emmylou Harris. Lee delivers a sweet, clean-toned solo on this upbeat rocker and adds a lot of flavor to this straight-ahead selection. Other noteworthy songs on Blues Comin’ On include Walker’s take on the Bobby Rush gem “Bowlegged Woman, Knock-Kneed Man” featuring L.A. session guitar hero Waddy Wachtel and a cover of The Chambers Brothers’ “Uptown To Harlem” done with Jellybean Johnson.
Joe Louis Walker has done nothing but pick up his pace over the course of his lengthy career and, judging from the sound of this set, plans to continue doing so indefinitely. Walker is one of modern blues’ most vital artists and Blues Comin’ On is ample proof of his infinite talent and spirit. Be sure to bring this one home with you.
Listen to “Bowlegged Woman, Knock-Kneed Man”
Joe Louis Walker Online
Leave A Comment