JOE LOUIS WALKER EVERYBODY WANTS A PIECE ALBUM REIVEW

Blues Hall of Fame inductee and four-time Blues Music Award winner Joe Louis Walker has released his new CD Everybody Wants A Piece. This album shows the lineage of a man who has spent more half a century playing the blues. The meaningful lyrics, heart wrenching singing and spine tingling solos show a man who has earned his acclaim. A man who goes back to the source – Gospel and Blues music, but it doesn't stop there, his influences are extensive - from psychedelic rock, rock and roll, traditional spiritual and of course jazz. There is a bit of funk thrown in there for good measure too.

All these influences come together on the album and Joe makes them his own. Man of Many Words is reminiscent of Otis Redding's Too Hot to Handle, energetic blues playing and lively solo. Buzz on You is very commercial and has good old Rock and Roll feel a la Chuck Berry. JLW rocks the traditional African American spiritual Wade In The Water, later popularised by Ramsey Lewis. The old 12 bar gets a look in with on One Sunny Day. Gospel Blues is another great track replete with some fine organ playing.

This album is a real treat; Joe has come up with some fine playing and a variety of tunes to suit the taste of any aficionado of genre.