Blueswax on Seth Walker

JUNE 11, 2009

Seth Walker

Leap of Faith

Hyena

On the heels of his debut self-titled release, Seth Walker has cleared an obstacle that derails many an artist. That is to make the next record better than the last. He passes with flying colors. On Leap of Faith, on Hyena Records, Walker enlists the help of Nashville elite producer/songwriter Gary Nicholson (Delbert McClinton and Jimmy Thackery). Also working on the sessions is control board guru David Z (Buddy Guy, Tab Benoit, Etta James, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd). David Z, you might remember, won the 2009 Keeping the Blues Alive (Keeping the Blues Alive) Award in the producers category for his stellar work with Blues artists.

Since the release of his first album Walker has been working nonstop doing club and festival dates. This work ethic is apparent in both his live shows as well as the new record. Leap of Faith contains eleven tracks with not a throw-a-way in the lot. On this record, Walker continues in the style of Blues-laced Americana. This style of music is very prevalent in South Texas, especially surrounding Austin, where he is now based. His vocals and songwriting show a variety of influences, which include Ray Charles, Snooks Eaglin, and T-Bone Walker. Most of the songs on the CD are co-written with Nicholson with the exception of "Memory Pain" (Percy Mayfield) and "Lately I've Let Things Slide" by Nick Lowe.

On Leap of Faith Walker adds a tinge more soul, especially with the infectious tune "Rewind." Think James Hunter or Tad Robinson with a little touch of whiskey-soaked vocal chords. On a personal note, this is my favorite song on the album. Walker showcases his songwriting skills by making the track selection an exercise in styles. For you Florida fans, you will easily recognize the style on "Lately I've Let Things Slide" as that of a once notorious Key West resident; the only thing missing are the steel drums. The track "I Got a Song" is straight Ray Charles with a bourbon chaser. Most of the tracks on this CD deal with relationships and personal issues, which are so prevalent in the Blues genre. He adds some Gospel flavor on his tune "Lay Down," and gives a good Muddy Waters working to "In the Dark," with a catchy repeating guitar rift in the background.

For a follow-up to his self-titled release, Leap of Faith is a fine piece of work. If Seth Walker continues to make music of this caliber, he will be a household name for years to come.