Charles Walker Band

Lookin' For a BMA Nod Here

"Jump back woman/ There's a new dog in your neighborhood!" This is the opening line from the new release from the Charles Walker Band. Take it as a warning! This disc is cookin' with solid Blues, as blue as blue can get. The group has a contemporary Soul-Blues sound, not the deep southern style, but a little further north with a strong bass and organ driving the group along.

Charles Walker writes the songs, leads the group, blows the saxophone, and is the driving wheel on the organ. The voice of this group has the pipes that could make a church steeple shake, but instead Shanna Jackson decides to shake her moneymaker front and center stage. Jackson's vocals nicely reflect the great female singers women of Chicago, like Koko Taylor, Shemekia Copeland, and Zora Young.

The man who keeps the bass beat thumping is Kent Hamele. His last gig was with Cadillac Joe and Paul Flipowitz. The beat-keeper, Joey B, Banks, has played with Luther Allison, Koko Taylor, Jimmy Johnson, and the Siegel/Schwall Band. He pushes the songs when they need pushin' and lays back when it's time. Misha Siegfried greases the guitar neck after many experiences with several different Blues and R&B bands.

As I said, this is not the deep southern Soul music, but the northern urban Soul music from the Chicago area. The musicians come from Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin; St/ Paul, Minnesota, and other parts in that general area of the U.S. And they all combine their talents for a feel, a good feel, a strong feel, a real feel. They tapped into themselves to push their limits on the album and create an amazing listening experience.

The songs here are all crafted with room for everyone to participate. There are plenty of instrumental solos and each one is tasty, well placed, and never overdone. Even when you listen for the music behind the vocals, the mix is right on the money and each instrument is making its own niche where it needs to. Be sure to listen to "Holdin' Out." The song could easily be up for Song of the Year at the Blues Music Awards. It is a song about freedom and really grabs ear.

Now I did say earlier that Shanna Jackson's vocals could hang with the likes of Koko, Shemekia, and Zora. That is not a group that anyone falls right into. Jackson has such a vitality in her vocal chords that you believe and feel every word she sings. She is a woman who can take the stage with all the confidence in the world to entertain the crowd.

Charles Walker can be heard very clearly on each track no matter what instrument he is playing. The mix is great and you really hear the organ grinding out the tracks. The organ is an integral part of the album and it sounds very sweet. Siegried is a tight guitar player; he can just ride the rhythm and fit into his part of the song, but when his solos come up he lets loose and plays clean, cutting solos.

The disc gets addicting the more you listen to it. I popped it in just to take a quick listen at first and left it in the player and then started it over again. This album has so much life it'll jump outta the CD player and grab you by the hands and make you wanna move!

THE WORLD & THINGS

Rating: 4/5 stars

Ehlona records

Dog catcher / Slow thunder / Otta mind / Ain't no doors / Hand clappin / Gamblin on love / Mil town blues / Cold as hell / Queen bee / Holdin out. (46:12)

This Charles Walker is not the singer native to Nashville who works with Johnny Jones. He may have the same name but is in reality an alto and tenor saxophonist who also knows how to play a keyboard, although it is Rob Waters who is in charge of B3 and piano on the album. The group based in Wisconsin has existed for only for 3 years, but his members, although young people, have a lot of experience. Nice deep voice, fair intonations and subtle, obvious pitch: the vocalist Shanna Jackson has a voice full of soul who hauntingly brings to mind Zora Young. She knows how to belt when it is needed, but do not fooled by this; she can be subtle as well. The guitarist Emre Alp is Turkish and his playing has very quick but nonchalant notes, with a big purity of sound and full of feeling. You can hear his influence from Californian and Texan style guitarists with a more “classic” sound, and he plays with delicacy and intelligence of musical investment.  Low harmonics are provided with simplicity but on time by Kent Hamele (the veteran of the team) and Nic Fugate allows a comfortable, on-time bedding for the rhythm section. They note finally the presence of Steve Cohen on the harmonica on two titles.

The ten titles display the unique authorship of Charles Walker. The music is varied from blues to rhythm and blues.  The sax on the rhythm and blues cuts creates sensual sounds and genuine blues-soul.  As well, the sax provides an ambiance in that is authentic with blues roots, crossbred with Chicago-blues. We hear the jazzy “Cold as Hell” and the very long “Gamblin on Love”, which gives the opportunity for nice leads from organ and allows Shanna to express and showcase herself entirely. The quick tempo and authentic shuffle of “Queen Bee” shows off this band’s credentials and the dynamism of their training.

This was definitely a wonderful disc!  Freshness of interpretation, tones without embellishments, successful installation, new direction of ideas, general enthusiasm, the respect for traditions: one very good album!

Used and Defiant

This album uses a pluralistic and contemporary approach in an attempt at a revival of the blues through adding elements of soul and funk, though there are also more traditional blues forms (Chicago blues, early rock and roll).  This album has a slightly different line up from the band’s last work, “The World and Things” but the listener will applaud each artist's performance, with special accolades to guitarist Misha Siegfried, keyboardist Rob Waters and the leader/saxophonist Charles Walker (not to be confused with the Tennessee singer).   The remarkable lead vocalist, Shanna Jackson, is reminiscent of Shemekia Copeland’s power and  Zora Young's vocal range.  The entire album grooves deeply and there is never a dull moment, proving the band’s tremendous genius.  One listen to the smoking hot track “Arrogance” will win over even the most reluctant listener.  An album with diversity, spontaneity, and wholly gratifying, this album appeals to a wide spectrum of listeners.

  Keeping a blues band alive can give you the blues

     You think you've got troubles?  Try leading a blues band that does original music in these times when the blues seems to be persona non grata in an area once stewing in the blues.

     "It seems like it's a lot harder to find work in a blues band.  It's a lot of work to keep the band as busy as we are," says Aaron Charles Walker, the saxophone-playing leader of the Charles Walker Blues Band, a quintet that sets up shop at Cranky Pat's Thursday, Dec. 14.

     "It seems the general feeling among club owners is that people want to go out and hear a live jukebox," Walker said.  "A lot of clubs want to know how much cover stuff you do.  They want you to pretty much do stuff people know, which locks you into being a cover band, which we're not."

     Walker says his adopted hometown of Milwaukee is a particularly good example of a bad music scene.

     "There's not a great blues scene at all," he said.  "Milwaukee is one of the worst scenes for music, as far as I'm concerned.  If you a cover band, no matter how bad you are, you can get all the work you want to in Milwaukee."

     But Walker says if he and the band can just get a foot in the door and play a place, "there's never been an issue once you get there."

     That is, he says, because he and the band can deliver the read deal.

     "The impression I get is everyone feels they know how to play the blues," he said.  "You just play three chords and you're playing the blues.  There's a lot more than goes into it.  A lot of listening, a lot of studying, a lot of emotion, otherwise you're just playing the same stuff over and over again.  In that case I could see why someone wouldn't want to come back and see you, if you're not changing it up and not being fresh and original.

     People want to see a high energy show," he said.  "They've had a long day at work.  They want to see someone who gives them their energy back.  They want to have a good time.  That's what our job is, to provide that energy and good time."

     The band is about to undergo another transition with the departure this month of singer Queen Nadine Neal, who was featured on last January's smoking 10-tune release "Hotel Room Blues."

     Walker said he already has a replacement vocalist, and the band's third studio CD, "The World and Things" will be released in February.

     While this will be the band's first time at Cranky Pat's, they've appeared at the late, lamented Heroes in Green Bay, and have been at both the Cold Shot and Copper Rock in Appleton.

     "We're heard a lot of good things about Cranky Pat's," Walker said.

For Your Ears Only

We recently read that blue's legend Robert Cray had commented on a local up and coming band. The comment read 'these guys sound good!'  The band he was talking about is the Charles Walker Band so we proceeded to check them out.  Robert was right on, these guys sounded good, real good.  Lead singer Shanna Jackson has an incredible voice, is easy on the eyes, and works the crowd like an accomplished diva.  Accompanying Shanna on vocals is band founder Charles Walker a true blues man.  Charles does a superb job on the saxophone and demonstrates distinction on the organ.  Lead guitarist Misha Siegfried proves he can hang with the best of them and gave us a full night of smoking riffs.  Bassist Kent Hamele is a less less flamboyant but does a respectable job of keeping up with all that is going on.  Drummer Joey Bands is a notable percussionist and can really turn it on when called upon.  The band does a lot of original music which not only showcases Shanna's great voice and Charles' outrageous sax ability, but the rest of the bands musical talent as well. To close the night they did their rendition of T Bone Walker's 'Stormy Monday' and blew everybody away!  Charles was wailing his his sax while walking through the crowd, Shanna was pouring out her heart and soul, Misha jumped up on a table much to the surprise of the people who were sitting there and proceeded to blast the roof off the place with his performance.  Absolutely incredible if you are a blues aficionado you will want to see this band.  Rock on!
 

Charles Walker Band moves beyond traditional blues
Funkin' it up
 

We fished out an unknown band on CD Baby, The Charles Walker Blues Band. The five musicians can be compared, with regard to music style, to the more heavier work of Koko Taylor and Shemekia Copeland, to W.C. Clark with the mellow work of BB. Nevertheless, they preserve a style all their own. As a guitarist they, chose a Turkish man who has traditional training with a great blues riffs. “The World And Things” stand full with its own compositions and are numbers which were written with attention to all instruments, particularly the organ because I uphold that keyboards always give a special flair to a number, which can also affect the music direction. That these musicians are well at home in this blues world is made immediately clear with the swinging Hand Clappin in which Charles Walker, tenor and alto sax, steal the show. As well, there is no number on this album for someone to sit quietly on a chair. Fortunately for us, there is the slow song, Gamblin On Love, a song of approximately 10 minutes follow that was incorporated from a live recording in the Cuda Cafe. The Hammond organ plays a distinguished role but is assisted by the guitar of Emre Alp. Shining solos appear throughout the album, some of which strike out violently (and appropriately). The best numbers, besides all the slow numbers, of course, are, in my opinion, Queen Bee and Dog Catcher.

HE WORLD & THINGS

Ehlona records

Not to be confused with the late NYC guitarist or the Nashville singer of the same name, this Charles Walker is a saxophonist from Milwaukee, who, although he doesn't sing a word, earned his leader's credits by producing, arranging and writing all of the disc's 9 songs, as well as soloing on most tracks and leading the instrumental Hand Clappin.  The vocal chores are handled well by Miss Shanna Jackson, a gospel influenced shouter, while Turkish guitarist Emre Alp and organist Rob Waters share solo space with Walker and bassist Kent Hamele and drummer Nic Fugate make up the rhythm section.  Unlike many Milwaukee bands, the group's reference point is more R&B than Chicago blues.  This is a highly professional effort from a band that shows the potential to move beyond a strictly local orbit.

Rating: 10/10
 

Tight, classy kick ass blues from Milwaukee, WI. Deep grooving, high energy music propelled by the charismatic vocals of Miss Shanna Jackson and expertly supported by 4 seasoned career musicians including songwriter and bandleader Charles Walker himself. Music to season your soul with.

THE WORLD & THINGS

The Charles Walker Blues Band was established in Milwaukee three years ago by Aaron Charles Walker, who before this had studied as a jazz musician.  He was inspired by the greats, from John Coltrane to Lester Young and Charlie Parker.  Before starting this project, he has led another group called Muddy Blue. One of the first members of the Charles Walker Blues Band, Miss Shanna Jackson (vocalist), seems comparable to Shemekia Copeland and Koko Taylor.  Emre Alp, another original member who is Turkish, plays the lead guitar. Lastly, Kent Hamele and Nic Fugate, form the rhythm section, Kent on bass, Nic on Drums.  Before recording their current album, the group had previously recorded three albums: "Keep Takin", "Hotel Room Blues", and finally an album recorded live, "Live and Low down", made in the beginning 2007. From this, one can say that this group has already proven to be prolific. The most recent album “The World and Things”, was written exclusively by Charles. The first song, "Dog Catcher" smokes till it sizzles from the very first note. Powerful, natural and cut perfectly for the blues, the voice of Miss Shanna Jackson is divine. Similarly solid like a rock, the rhythm section is infallible. The guitar is limited to a rhythmic role, but the listener can feel it right on time, every time. The saxophone of Charles is always ready to leap in while the organ Hammond organ of Rob Waters adds ornamentation to each number. "Slow Thunder", the second song, captures the essence of soul funk and Jackson’s voice and intonation on this number excels.

 Particularly inventive, Walker is a musician bursting with talent. Well capable of building a melody line, his tenor sax thrusts through the mix powerfully. "Outta Mind" is musically a blues built on a unique groove in which the Hammond organ takes an active role in rhythm, creating a masterful mood. And tastefully, it is the guitarist, Dr. Emre Alp, who plays an amazing solo during “Outta Mind”, which displays an unquestionable talent. This is followed up by Rob Waters on organ, who makes the organ take off and sail. The pure blues number, "Ain't No Doors", starts out soft and similar to old country blues but takes off into a full heavy “butt rocker” shortly thereafter. The vocals of Shanna are always sublime, but the blues master on the album is Charles. He is a true virtuoso with the saxophone. A treat! In the instrumental, "Hand clappin'”, the song moves quickly. A boogy shuffle, which Rob Waters switches to piano, while the band leader wails on his honkin' saxophone, of which he has impressive control!

"Gamblin on Love" constitutes the slow, ritual blues. A long, live recorded cut from the Cuda Cafe, all the musicians display a virtuosic talent.  In particular, the voice of Miss Jackson, organ of Waters, as well as the guitar of our Turkish teaser, shine in this slow blues. There is a maximum release of raw energy in this track.  On the fast Chicago shuffle, "Mil Town Blues", there is a guest musician: Steve Cohen. Also from Milwaukee, he blows a mean harmonica (for your information, this song also displays again Alps excellent rhythm playing) before yielding a solo to Rob on the piano. A slow gospel blues, "Cold as Hell" was masterfully designed for the magic voice of Shanna Jackson. As well, the lyrics of the song display a passionate text. "Queen bee" is another shuffle resulting from the Windy City. Emre Alp finds deliciously raunchy chords to display on this rocking tune while Steve Cohen returned to blow his harp! "Holdin out" completes the masterpiece, which is a very melodic ballad blues, characterized by a last excellent solo of Dr. Alp on the guitar. If this album, which is obviously wonderful, had a fault, it would be that the leader does not appear more on the album.

This band out of the Middle West has some very smooth and polished chops down, particularly when it comes to Blues, R & B and Soul.  None other than Charles Walker leads it on Tenor and Alto Saxes.  However he is very ably supported and spurred on by Shanna Jackson's vocals that, no matter the genre, are spot on the money. There is more than enough angst and shout in her voice to carry the vocal load by herself; it is a confident and sure voice.  Her singing both in range and style might remind the listener of Koko Taylor.  This is a disc filled with tight ensemble playing and when the solos are taken they are good, each of the players has spent time and effort thinking them through.  There is little wasted motion on this disc; it is a tight and economical working of the blues (be they from Texas, Chicago, or jump blues) and R & B and Soul.  There were no credits for the writers on the copy I had so I don't know who wrote the songs, though I suspect it is Charles Walker.

All things considered, there are probably a couple of thousand bands around the country, in every corner bar that still books live music, doing what the Charles Walker Band does: playing the blues. But that takes nothing away from the Charles Walker Band, a quintet whose chops are strong, whose command of the genre is certifiable, and who generate excitement at every turn. Walker is the nominal leader, a saxophonist and keyboardist who's learned from the best (his organ work in particular is spellbindingly tasty). But Walker's true calling is as bandleader, and he's put together a solid unit here. In particular, lead vocalist Shanna Jackson is a powerhouse, a gritty belter who's often a bit on the raw side but who uses that coarseness to her advantage, exuding a realness all too often missing in many of today's by-the-books neo-blues outfits. Lead guitarist Misha Siegfried, bassist Kent Hamele, and drummer Joey B. Banks click together superbly, fleshing out Walker's compositions so that they sound like age-old classics. Yes, you've heard it all before, but you probably haven't heard it done this well in a while.                                                                         

Aaron Charles Walker is the saxophonist and leader of this band, formed two years ago in Milwaukee.  He describes his band as " a group of misfits who play music over a hundred years old created by the disenfranchised".  This modestly only begins to cover this fresh derivation of an ancient music genre: so many styles from Texas, Mississippi and Illinois are reflected in his love for the many disparate influences, but are packaged with one remarkable difference-his sax.  This is always to the fore, either driving the music along, or supplying a new take in the solos.  Add into the mix every tune being self-penned, plus the heart-wrenching vocals of Milwaukee's own Queen Nadine Neal, and it will truly make you sit up and take notice.  The album kicks off with a bustling instrumental Burnin' Barrel Blues', before we are treated to a dramatic tempo changes in 'What I Like', where Neal's smooth vocals put one in the mind of early Aretha.  The heavy backbeat and powerful bass of 'On Your Floor' tells classic Blues tales of "killing floors" and "drowning in my own tears".  Thereafter we are treated to the full panoply of Blues styles, great tunes, intelligent lyrics and superb instrumentation throughout.  The album is perfectly rounded off with the instrumental 'E & A Express' followed by the pleading 'Hotel Room Blues'.

With a scope that includes straight blues, up-to-date R&B, and Robert Johnson's "Stones in My Passway" reimagined with a heavy funk rhythm, Used and Defiant (Ehlona Records) is an appealing release from Wisconsin's Charles Walker Band.  Saxophonist and primary songwriter Walker works with a tough band fronted by Miss Shanna Jackson, a supple singer who can evince jazzy cool and evoke raw emotion.  "Funky Sexy" is pure satin-sheets soul with a hint of reggae; "Stomped All Over" rivals the latest of late-night blues; and "Exquisite Soul" updates "Tighten Up." "One (Nation Under U.S.)" and the title track address political and social topics.

On  Hotel Room Blues (Ehlona Records), the Charles Walker Blues Band plays an all-original set spanning jump ("What I Like") minor-key blues ("On Your Floor"), slow shuffles ("Broken Child"), R&B grinders a la "Night Train" ("Burnin Barrel Blues," featuring Rob Waters' excellent B-3), and funk ("Shot of Love").  Sonics are slightly muffled, and Walker tends to extend his sax solos too long, but vocalist Queen Nadine Neal is excellent and guitarist Emre Alp is in the pocket with his rhythms and right on time with leads.  The silky-smooth title track closes the set on a high note.

    The Charles Walker Bluesband, from Wisconsin, is at home in all blues and R&B styles. Leader and saxophonist Charles Walker and the fantastic singer Miss Shanna Jackson unify the sound. Charles Walker has written all the music on this CD. Miss Shanna Jackson is a singer in the style of Koko Taylor and Shemekia Copeland, with a powerful, soulful voice, with which she brings freedom and strong feeling to the very different styles of music on the CD. Surprising guitarist Emre Alp, which you can see by his name already, is no American, but is a Turk, and plays the blues "with more" feeling than much of his colleagues from, for example, Texas or Chicago who I have already worked with and heard. Such as I already said, variety is the trump card of this CD, from stamping boogies ("Queen Bee", no, not the well-known cover) to very somber ("Holdin Out") and everything in between. The beautiful sax sound of Charles and the Hammond organ of Rob Waters lay down a beautiful basis for the rhythm and lead work of Emre and the real blues singer, Miss Shanna Jackson. A must listen is the beautiful slow blues "Ain't No Doors" with brilliant roles from the Hammond of Rob Waters, but especially the rhythm of Emre Alp. They create a link to how well they perform live because included on the CD is one live number, "Gamblin On Love", and there is no noticeable difference with the studio-live quality. Also the press is unanimously praising the band, concerning their performance in live shows. "These guys are really good," is a quote from Mr. Robert Cray which saw the group at the Barrymoore, where he was headlining act. Not to be repetitive, but there is beauty in these "The World & Things"