COLD OUT & DOWN
Walter Smith Jr.
Copyright 2000
BlueFuse Records
(Independent Release)
AHEAD TO THE PAST
Walker Smith Group
Copyright 2006
BlueFuse Records
(Independent Release)
Press Reviews
Blues Revue Magazine Feb/Mar 2007
The Walker Smith Group records as an amplified ensemble, but it's feel is distinctively country blues, due largely to the harmonica work of Jeff Vincent. The easygoing style suits Smith's restrained melodic guitar work and clear smooth voice. Soul ballad " Ain't No Lovin'," the eight-bar "Flaga Ride," and Jam the Gun"(based on Robert Cray's "Right Next Door" progression) stand out. The self-released AHEAD TO THE PAST falls on the lighter side of the blues and should appeal to fans of Keb' Mo'.
Suncoast Blues Society, Nov/Dec 2006
After a self imposed layoff from the blues scene, Walker Smith is back with a new attitude, a new band and a new CD. During his time off, one thing Walker did do was to continue to work on his song writing; Ahead to the Past is the result of that introspective time. Walker penned 10 of the 12 tunes and produced the entire disc, thereby putting his mark on his sound. I can't help but wonder how autobiographical the tunes are. Particularly, Flag A Ride. Is this how you ended up in Tampa Walker?
One thing you will notice when listening to this release is the measured tone and pace the songs take. No over top histrionics and no "look at me" extended guitar solos here, just Walker and his unassuming style. I detected a bit of Robert Cray sound in several songs, especially Jam the Gun (Bring the Sun) and All Things Must Change. This is not necessarily a bad thing due to the fact that Walker has not had his soul surgically removed. He puts his heart and soul into everything he does and it is readily apparent here
Larry Lisk . DJ
WMNF 88.5 Tampa Bay
