[Charles Walker Blues Band

[The World & Things

(Ehlona Records)

This is Walker’s fourth CD, his third with the with powerhouse singer Miss Shanna Jackson, who sings in a style reminiscent of Koko Taylor.  The group has opened for Robert Cray and is scheduled to appear at both Summerfest in Milwaukee, the largest musical festival in the world, and at the prestigious Waukesha Blues Fest.

Walker’s group has been booked into places ranging from a shotgun pub to a huge concert venue, and his eclectic mix of sounds shows it.  While the music is mainly Blues, you’ll hear some jazz licks sneaking in from Walker’s earlier jazz sax days.  Walker’s a fan of Louis Jordan’s jump blues, which also comes through in spirited fashion in “Hand Clappin’.”  You want slow, smoky, Jack Daniels-laced Blues?  You’ll find it here in this ten-cut, all original material disc.  Want some Bird-influenced sax Bop?  It’s here, too.

The Charles Walker Blues Band recently came in second place in the Madison International Blues Challenge qualification, no small feat. The previous experiences and musical backgrounds of this quintet have molded their sounds into a mixing bowl of styles and genres, which is presented straight ahead or sometimes masterfully blended into an artful, pleasant mélange.

Turkish-born guitarist Emre Alp’s steady and solid hand, Kent Hamele’s sometimes throbbing, sometimes whispering bass, and Nic Fugate’s wide percussion experience in many genres of music round out the group.  Walker’s sax and keyboards, along with the inspired and versatile Jackson, make for a highly energetic and accomplished evening ranging from laidback listening to tearing up the dance floor.

There’s also a snappy salute to the group’s adopted homebase of Milwaukee in “Mil Town Blues.”  I’m watching for big strides from this group in the days to come.

– Lou Novacheck