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!

Marc Loison

- Alfons Maes