JOE LOUIS WALKER
In The Morning (Telarc Blues)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Long-time Bay Area bluesman Joe Louis Walker has landed on the Telarc label, and In The Morning features a seasoned blues player at the top of his game. His game, however, hasn't always been the blues. In The Morning samples Walker's command of blues, jazz, and gospel music and reflects his career all over the musical map. He cut his blues teeth in the San Francisco rock and blues scenes of the 1960's, but in the 70's he joined the Spiritual Corinthians, a road-tested band that kept him busy and away from some of the more negative influences that cost many of his San Francisco friends their lives (or livelihoods as musicians). In 1985, he rediscovered his blues roots at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and formed the Boss Talkers. Walker started to shine, resulting in several W.C. Handy Awards along the way, including Contemporary Male Artist of the Year (1988 and 1991) and Band of the Year (1996) with his Bosstalkers. He went on to record 10 albums in 13 years for Hightone and Verve, featuring standouts like the two volumes Live At Slim's and Blues Survivor. In The Morning features some of his best work, ranging from the gospel flavor of "Where Jesus Leads" to the playful original instrumental, "2120 South Michigan Avenue," to the full-tilt electric blues of "Joe's Jump." There's enough variety on In The Morning to keep blues, soul, and R & B fans returning to Joe Louis Walker's Telarc debut. Like the Telarc harp compilation, In the Pocket, In The Morning is scheduled for a July 23rd release.

Track List:

You're Just About To Lose Your Clown * In the Morning * Joe's Jump * Leave That Girl Alone * Where Jesus Leads * Strange Loving * Do You Wanna Be with Me? * If This Is Love (I'd Rather Have the Blues) * 2120 South Michigan Avenue * Strangers in Our House

© 2002 - Eric Steiner