Biography
From Walter to Walker?
The group you know as Walter Smith and the Chicago Nights has had a name change to Walker Smith Group. The name change conicides with the release of his new CD. Walker has decided to honor his family history and take on his grandfathers given name.
Raised on Chicago's south side by mother Glenda Allison, a gospel/jazz singer and club performer and Walter Sr. a performing guitarist, music was a mainstay in the Smith home. At a very early age, Walter took up guitar, sang and performed regularly in school programs.
As Walker grew he was schooled by great performers of the day including Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Jimmy Dawkins and Jimmie Lee Robinson among others. The school bell would ring with Walter at the side of the bandstand observing every move as these greats displayed their craft. After the performance Walter could always be found talking shop with his idols. Smith has fond memories of these days. Muddy Waters told me " Always play it from your heart". Buddy guy taught me the importance of developing my own sound. Jimmy Dawins message was not to forget about the business side of things, while Jimmie Lee Robinson conveyed the importance of living clean and not getting caught up in "the game".
Walker honed his skills through out the years with various groups of musicians, eventually forming Walter Smith and Tight Rhythm. As the sound developed and the fan base grew it was time to record the first album. Veteran producer Jim Reeves was chosen for the project with past experience with Gregg Allman and ZZ Top.
" Cold Out & Down" was recorded in Evanston, Illinois at Reeves Audio and features eight original compositions. Songs range from the deep Chicago Blues of "Cold Chills" to the radio friendly, foot tapping "Cold Out & Down" and the autobiographical ballad " Family Rob"
Walker's next project " Walter Smith's Chicago Nights" was formed in the Tampa Bay Area in 2001 , which brought with it a regular performing schedule , television and festival appearances.
"Ahead to the past"-the second studio album was recorded in Florida in 2007 & recieved strong reviews and airplay worldwide. The CD promoted Blue Skunk Music in Chicago to sign the artist to it's Chicago based label.
In the tradition of the Chicago "bluesmen", comes Walker Smith A contemporary artist representing the next generation of blues musicians. Smith is working to preserve the legacy of Chicago blues, while developing his own sound. While the stinging guitar sounds ring through, the sweet vocal lines compare to Robert Cray and Keb Mo leaving audiences calling out for more.
Lap Steel on custom made Lap AX Handel...Pork Butt Blues Festival Headliner 2011
