Willie Walker - Willie Walker

Size: 160.3 MB
Time: 68:14
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2004
Styles: Electric Blues, Blues Soul
Art: Full

01. Bad Influence (3:49)
02. Body And Fender Man (4:37)
03. One Foot In The Blues (6:29)
04. Spoonful (5:17)
05. I'll Be Around (4:14)
06. I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water (3:51)
07. You Send Me (5:28)
08. Feel Like Breaking Up (4:12)
09. Since I Fell For You (4:45)
10. I Can't Tell You Why (4:22)
11. If Nothing Changes (6:13)
12. Ain't No Mountain High Enough (2:47)
13. Neither One Of Us (3:59)
14. Caribbean Queen (4:32)
15. If You Don't Know Me By Now (3:33)

Born in Hernando, Mississippi, Wee Willie Walker’s career spanned six decades as he was one of the last real soul singers. He recorded nine sides for the Memphis based Goldwax label in 1968. More recently, between 2004 and 2011, Walker recorded three albums with the Minneapolis based blues band, The Butanes, which also included Robb Stupka on drums. In 2015 Walker launched his official comeback album “If Nothing Ever Changes”, co-produced by Rick Estrin and Kid Andersen, on the Little Village Foundation label. As a result, Walker received an invitation to perform at the prestigious Poretta Soul Festival where he first met Anthony Paule.

Since 2016, Walker has received twelve BMA nominations including Soul Blues Album of The Year, and Soul Blues Male Artist of The Year. Walker was also invited to perform in Norway; that set was recorded with The Greaseland All-stars and released as 2016’s “Live! At The Notodden Blues Festival Norway”. Walker died in 2019.

This posthumous recording features vocalist Walker, accompanied by Paule, guitar and sitar; Tony Lufrano, keyboards and horn arrangements; Andre Tarczy, bass; and drummer Kevin Hayes. The four-piece horn section includes Derek James, trombone; Bill Ortiz, trumpet; Charles McNeal, tenor sax; and Rob Sudduth, baritone sax. Background vocalists include Larry Batiste, Sandy Griffith, and Omega Rae. The album was recorded in California; and produced by Jim Gaines in Tennessee.

Nine of the fourteen songs, are co-written by Christine Vitale with members of the band; “Almost Memphis”. was written by bassist Tarczy. “If You’ve Walked in My Shoes” and “Warm To Cool To Cold”, are remakes of two of Walker’s classic early recordings. “A Word from Willie” is a poignant excerpt from a radio interview. Walker is one of the most expressive vocalists of our generation; please listen with your heart. ~Richard Ludmerer

Willie Walker MP3
Willie Walker FLAC

---

Wee Willie Walker & The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra - Not In My Lifetime

Album: Not In My Lifetime
Size: 125,5 MB
Time: 54:16
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2021
Styles: Soul, soul-blues
Art: Front

1. A Word From Willie (0:20)
2. Don't Let Me Get In Your Way (3:49)
3. Over And Over (4:23)
4. Real Good Lie (4:43)
5. What Is It We're Not Talking About? (4:22)
6. Darling Mine (4:23)
7. I'm Just Like You (3:31)
8. Make Your Own Good News (4:27)
9. Warm To Cool To Cold (3:58)
10. Let The Lady Dance (4:36)
11. Heartbreak (3:42)
12. Suffering With The Blues (4:12)
13. Almost Memphis (3:41)
14. 'Til You've Walked In My Shoes (4:03)

Born in Hernando, Mississippi, Wee Willie Walker’s career spanned six decades as he was one of the last real soul singers. He recorded nine sides for the Memphis based Goldwax label in 1968. More recently, between 2004 and 2011, Walker recorded three albums with the Minneapolis based blues band, The Butanes, which also included Robb Stupka on drums. In 2015 Walker launched his official comeback album “If Nothing Ever Changes”, co-produced by Rick Estrin and Kid Andersen, on the Little Village Foundation label. As a result, Walker received an invitation to perform at the prestigious Poretta Soul Festival where he first met Anthony Paule.

Since 2016, Walker has received twelve BMA nominations including Soul Blues Album of The Year, and Soul Blues Male Artist of The Year. Walker was also invited to perform in Norway; that set was recorded with The Greaseland All-stars and released as 2016’s “Live! At The Notodden Blues Festival Norway”. Walker died in 2019.

This posthumous recording features vocalist Walker, accompanied by Paule, guitar and sitar; Tony Lufrano, keyboards and horn arrangements; Andre Tarczy, bass; and drummer Kevin Hayes. The four-piece horn section includes Derek James, trombone; Bill Ortiz, trumpet; Charles McNeal, tenor sax; and Rob Sudduth, baritone sax. Background vocalists include Larry Batiste, Sandy Griffith, and Omega Rae. The album was recorded in California; and produced by Jim Gaines in Tennessee.

Nine of the fourteen songs, are co-written by Christine Vitale with members of the band; “Almost Memphis”. was written by bassist Tarczy. “If You’ve Walked in My Shoes” and “Warm To Cool To Cold”, are remakes of two of Walker’s classic early recordings. “A Word from Willie” is a poignant excerpt from a radio interview. Walker is one of the most expressive vocalists of our generation; please listen with your heart. /Richard Ludmerer

Not In My Lifetime mc
Not In My Lifetime zippy

---

Willie Walker & The Butanes - Right Where I Belong

Size: 138,6 MB
Time: 58:49
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2004
Styles: Blues Soul
Art: Full

01. I Don't Mind At All (3:30)
02. (We Gotta) Put Out The Fire (4:15)
03. Careless (3:55)
04. No Longer For Me (4:01)
05. Right Where I Belong (4:06)
06. Give As Good As You Get (3:21)
07. Sometimes Love's Not Enough (4:10)
08. I Don't Know If I Can Make It Through (3:23)
09. Change (4:40)
10. Crying To Do (4:44)
11. I Understand (4:22)
12. Down For The Count (4:14)
13. Ain't It Funny (6:02)
14. I Feel It (3:59)

The #1 Blues CD on XM satellite radio's Bluesville channel February 5, 2005. Willie's 1st all new Soul recordings since his Goldwax/Checker 45s of the '60s. Backed by real horns, female backing vocals, guitar, Hammond organ, bass & drums of The Butanes.

The irony of the title is that Willie Walker is barely known here in his adopted hometown. It took a British label to unearth his collectible 1960s Memphis soul recordings, and another British label to release this new full-length, a return to sweet soul style. At a Cabooze show on May 8, Walker crooned for an audience that could well have been mostly family and old friends: Since relocating from Memphis in 1960, he has performed with the Royal Jubileers, the Val-Dons, Willie and the Bees, and Salt, Pepper & Spice. But it wasn't until 2002 that he cut an album of his own, a self-titled set of covers (on Haute), and it wasn't until this follow-up that he released one worthy of his powdery voice.

Right Where I Belong asks you to believe that a great Memphis soul singer has lived among us all along. Even the reissues don't prepare you for the sound. Where Walker's grit-free Sam Cooke impersonations on volumes one and two of The Goldwax Story (Ace Records) are confident and clarion, the older singer is a more vulnerable love man, with a tone that's sure but ravaged, and with hints of a lisp. Written entirely by Butanes guitarist Curtis Obeda, the 14 songs rehearse some clichés ("You picked me up when I was down, placed my feet on solid ground," etc.), and the horns don't have the greased ease of Virgil Nelson's accompanying Hammond. But Obeda's attentive arrangements are the perfect setting for a soul sage who doesn't showboat, and Walker makes every cliché feel true. ~Peter S. Scholtes

Right Where I Belong

---

Paul Barry - Blow Your Cool

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:44
Size: 95.6 MB
Styles: West Coast blues
Year: 2018
Art: Front

[3:40] 1. Hawaiian Eye
[3:58] 2. What Did I Do So Wrong
[7:15] 3. Tribute To W.C
[3:31] 4. You Can't Beat The Horses
[4:47] 5. Drinking Muddy Waters
[5:42] 6. Spoonful
[2:44] 7. You Got To Step Back
[3:52] 8. More Than I Can Give
[2:49] 9. Low-Down
[3:23] 10. Blow Your Cool

Paul Barry - Harp & Vocals; Jeremy Johnson - Guitar; Bill Black - Bass; Victor Span - Drums; Max Ray - Saxophone. Guests: Wee Willie Walker - Vocals; Fred Kaplan - Piano; Mitch Kashmar - Harmonica; Tim Wick - Keyboards; Tampa Spatz - Piano.

With "Blow Your Cool", Paul Barry taps into that swinging sound associated with the modern West Coast blues scene, employing original tunes along with his swinging harmonica. Importantly, it is the spirit and soul of Southern California blues man, William Clarke, that is deeply infused in the music on this CD. Many West Coast notables appear on "Blow Your Cool" and they include Fred Kaplan, Wee Willie Walker and Mitch Kashmar. The sound is fabulous and the cover art reminds one of the Blue Note label in the late 50’s and early 60’s. This CD is a true contender!

Blow Your Cool mc
Blow Your Cool zippy

---

VA - The Rough Guide To Ragtime Blues

Size: 171,4 MB
Time: 73:14
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Ragtime Blues
Art: Front

01 Blind Willie McTell - Southern Can Is Mine (3:10)
02 Willie Walker - South Carolina Rag (Take 2) (3:06)
03 Blind Boy Fuller - Piccolo Rag (2:48)
04 Luke Jordan - Cocaine Blues (3:14)
05 Robert Wilkins - Old Jim Canan's (2:56)
06 Blind Blake - Blind Arthur's Breakdown (2:59)
07 Papa Charlie Jackson - Drop That Sack (2:28)
08 Bo Carter - Your Biscuits Are Big Enough For Me (2:06)
09 Memphis Minnie - Can I Do It For You (Part 1) (3:06)
10 Dick Justice - Old Black Dog (2:57)
11 Beale Street Sheiks - Mr. Crump Don't Like It (2:40)
12 William Moore - Ragtime Millionaire (3:07)
13 Pillie Bolling - Shake Me Like A Dog (3:01)
14 Charlie McCoy - I've Been Blue Ever Since You Went Away (3:17)
15 Allen Brothers - Salty Dog Blues (3:05)
16 Blind Lemon Jefferson - Beggin' Back (2:49)
17 Big Bill Broonzy - Guitar Rag (2:54)
18 The Two Charlies - Pork Chop Blues (3:02)
19 Mississippi John Hurt - Got The Blues Can't Be Satisfied (2:49)
20 Charley Patton - Shake It And Break It (But Don't Let It Fall Mama) (3:04)
21 Troy Ferguson - You Better Keep It At Home (3:02)
22 Reverend Gary Davis - Have More Faith In Jesus (3:02)
23 Buddy Boy Hawkins - Raggin' The Blues (2:26)
24 Geeshie Wiley - Pick Poor Robin Clean (3:12)
25 Cannon's Jug Stompers - Money Never Runs Out (2:44)

Ragtime had a profound influence on many early blues performers who strived to reproduce its complicated piano sounds on the guitar. With its faster rhythm and good-time feel, this danceable style was performed with mesmerizing skill by blues greats such as Blind Blake, Reverend Gary Davis and Blind Boy Fuller.

Made famous by the legendary Scott Joplin, ragtime developed in African-American communities throughout the southern part of the Midwest during the last decade of the nineteenth century and had a profound influence on many early blues performers. Combining the structure of marches with African-American songs and dances such as the cakewalk, ragtime’s syncopated or ‘ragged’ rhythm was initially performed as dance music for the seedier side of society in areas where bars, dancehalls and brothels were located. Many blues guitarists attempted to reproduce the complicated piano sounds, as its faster rhythm created a more upbeat and lively feel, far removed from the typical intensity of early country blues. So, when ragtime went out of favour as jazz claimed the public's imagination, it had already entered the folk consciousness through the playing of blues greats such as Blind Blake, Reverend Gary Davis and Blind Boy Fuller.

Blind Blake was the first commercially successful performer of this style, whose intricate fingerstyle technique and diverse repertoire ranging from upbeat rags and hokum tunes to slow blues numbers influenced all who followed, including the likes of Blind Boy Fuller and Reverend Gary Davis, and modern-day guitarists Ry Cooder, John Fahey and Jorma Kaukonen.

Many of the featured artists hailed from the Eastern States where the influence of ragtime was instrumental in creating the unique and much loved ‘Piedmont’ guitar style. Typically, the Piedmont guitarist would create an alternating rhythmic bass accompaniment by moving the thumb of the picking hand between the different bass strings of the guitar, whilst one or more fingers of the same hand would pick out the melody on the higher strings. Essentially this approach gives the impression that the guitar is being played like a piano.

Little is known about many of these artists, none more so than Willie Walker who only ever recorded two sides in 1930, with ‘South Carolina Rag’ being one of the absolute masterpieces of ragtime guitar playing. Other highlights to listen out for include ‘Ragtime Millionaire’ by the barbershop owner William Moore which harks back to the glory years of ragtime as well as the cakewalk inspired ‘Money Never Runs Out’ by Gus Cannon’s Jug Stompers.

The Rough Guide To Ragtime Blues

---

Wee Willie Walker & The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra - After A While

Size: 135,6 MB
Time: 57:57
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Blues Soul, Soul
Art: Front

01. Second Chance (4:24)
02. After A While (5:32)
03. I Don't Want To Take A Chance (3:48)
04. Romance In The Dark (4:21)
05. Hate Take A Holiday (4:21)
06. Thanks For The Dance (4:52)
07. If Only (4:06)
08. Cannot Be Denied (7:02)
09. Look What You've Done To Me (3:42)
10. I Don't Want To Know (3:05)
11. The Willie Walk (4:04)
12. Lovey Dovey (2:42)
13. Your Good Thing (Is About To End) (5:51)

After A While is the new collaboration between legendary soul singer, Wee Willie Walker and The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra. This recording features 8 original tracks and 5 carefully selected covers. After recording for Goldwax and Checker labels in the 60s Walker settled in Minneapolis and was rarely heard outside of Minnesota. In the last few years he has emerged with new recordings, which have garnered accolades from critics and fans alike. Although Willie's career spans six decades, After A While is his debut as a songwriter and co-producer, making this a truly collaborative effort! The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra provides the perfect foundation for Walker's deep blue soul vocals. This recording is a must have for fans of blues and soul music!

“…Anyone missing the golden years of Soul can stop pining and go check out Wee Willie Walker who still has it all Right Now. He’s keeping the Soul flame burning bright and
effortlessly killing it on, AFTER A WHILE. Congrats to all involved.” — Mike Kappus, Rosebud Agency

“…The re-emergence of soul singer supreme Wee Willie Walker has been one of the most welcome musical developments of the past several years, as he tours internationally, makes sterling additions to his catalog, and racks up well-deserved raves and honors. With AFTER A WHILE, his discography has reached a new peak. Anthony Paule provides his usual spot-on, savvy and impeccable guitar playing and bandleading, as his talent-rich Soul Orchestra combines with thoughtful, substantial songwriting, much of it by Christine Vitale, to craft as sympathetic a frame as a vocalist could dream about. Willie brings all of his passion, power and depth to bear. It all adds up to what is very much a collaboration, one which should bring copious joy to listeners and wind up on many blues and soul awards lists…” — Richard Shurman, Music Journalist & Record Producer

After A While

---

VA - Rough Guide To Ragtime Blues

Size: 170,8 MB
Time: 72:57
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Ragtime Blues, Country Blues
Art: Front & Back

01 Blind Willie McTell - Southern Can Is Mine (3:08)
02 Willie Walker - South Carolina Rag (Take 2) (3:06)
03 Blind Boy Fuller - Piccolo Rag (2:48)
04 Luke Jordan - Cocaine Blues (3:14)
05 Robert Wilkins - Old Jim Canan's (2:56)
06 Blind Blake - Blind Arthur's Breakdown (2:59)
07 Papa Charlie Jackson - Drop That Sack (2:28)
08 Bo Carter - Your Biscuits Are Big Enough For Me (2:06)
09 Memphis Minnie & Kansas Joe - Guitar Rag (3:06)
10 Dick Justice - Old Black Dog (2:55)
11 Beale Street Sheiks - Mr. Crump Don't Like It (2:38)
12 William Moore - Ragtime Millionaire (3:07)
13 Pillie Bolling - Shake Me Like A Dog (3:01)
14 Charlie McCoy - I've Been Blue Ever Since You Went Away (3:14)
15 Allen Brothers - Salty Dog Blues (3:05)
16 Blind Lemon Jefferson - Beggin' Back (2:49)
17 Big Bill Broonzy - Guitar Rag (2:52)
18 The Two Charlies - Pork Chop Blues (3:02)
19 Mississippi John Hurt - Got The Blues Can't Be Satisfied (2:49)
20 Charley Patton - Shake It And Break It (But Don't Let It Fall Mama) (3:04)
21 Troy Ferguson - You Better Keep It At Home (3:02)
22 Reverend Gary Davis - Have More Faith In Jesus (2:59)
23 Buddy Boy Hawkins - Raggin' The Blues (2:26)
24 Geeshie Wiley & Elvie Thomas - Pick Poor Robin Clean (3:09)
25 Cannon's Jug Stompers - Money Never Runs Out (2:44)

Ragtime had a profound influence on many early blues performers who strived to reproduce its complicated piano sounds on the guitar. With its faster rhythm and good-time feel, this danceable style was performed with mesmerizing skill by blues greats such as Blind Blake, Reverend Gary Davis and Blind Boy Fuller.

Made famous by the legendary Scott Joplin, ragtime developed in African-American communities throughout the southern part of the Midwest during the last decade of the nineteenth century and had a profound influence on many early blues performers. Combining the structure of marches with African-American songs and dances such as the cakewalk, ragtime’s syncopated or ‘ragged’ rhythm was initially performed as dance music for the seedier side of society in areas where bars, dancehalls and brothels were located. Many blues guitarists attempted to reproduce the complicated piano sounds, as its faster rhythm created a more upbeat and lively feel, far removed from the typical intensity of early country blues. So, when ragtime went out of favour as jazz claimed the public's imagination, it had already entered the folk consciousness through the playing of blues greats such as Blind Blake, Reverend Gary Davis and Blind Boy Fuller.

Blind Blake was the first commercially successful performer of this style, whose intricate fingerstyle technique and diverse repertoire ranging from upbeat rags and hokum tunes to slow blues numbers influenced all who followed, including the likes of Blind Boy Fuller and Reverend Gary Davis, and modern-day guitarists Ry Cooder, John Fahey and Jorma Kaukonen.

Many of the featured artists hailed from the Eastern States where the influence of ragtime was instrumental in creating the unique and much loved ‘Piedmont’ guitar style. Typically, the Piedmont guitarist would create an alternating rhythmic bass accompaniment by moving the thumb of the picking hand between the different bass strings of the guitar, whilst one or more fingers of the same hand would pick out the melody on the higher strings. Essentially this approach gives the impression that the guitar is being played like a piano.

Little is known about many of these artists, none more so than Willie Walker who only ever recorded two sides in 1930, with ‘South Carolina Rag’ being one of the absolute masterpieces of ragtime guitar playing. Other highlights to listen out for include ‘Ragtime Millionaire’ by the barbershop owner William Moore which harks back to the glory years of ragtime as well as the cakewalk inspired ‘Money Never Runs Out’ by Gus Cannon’s Jug Stompers.

Rough Guide To Ragtime Blues

---

Willie Walker & The Butanes - Memphisapolis

Size: 114,5 MB
Time: 49:24
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2006
Styles: Blues Soul, Soul
Art: Full

01. What's It Take? (4:09)
02. I Won't Be Lonely (3:47)
03. Sweet (The Yeah, Yeah Song) (3:37)
04. The Dream For Me (3:54)
05. My Baby Drives Me Crazy (3:07)
06. Real Love (4:06)
07. The Last Time (4:00)
08. Exactly Like Me (3:37)
09. Just Wait Til I Get Home (3:27)
10. Cry, Cry, Cry (5:02)
11. Opposites Attract (3:17)
12. I'll Get To You (3:53)
13. Thanks For Being There (3:20)

Long a commanding presence on the Minneapolis blues/R&B scene, the Butanes began receiving numerous individual and group awards in the late 80’s. The early 90’s found the band holding down two house gigs that have since become a cherished part of local lore: the 10 strong Butanes Soul Revue brought southern soul to the Cabooze bar every Wednesday and the trio delivered Chicago blues to the 400 bar every Thursday. As the accolades piled up, local appearances became less frequent. The band could often be found playing behind luminaries around the world leading one New Orleans wag to dub them “the best band you’ve never heard of.”

Willie Walker and The Butanes released Memphisapolis, their second collaboration, on Saturday, June 24, 2006. Memphisapolis, contains 13 original tracks featuring 4 horns, lady background singers and real Hammond organ and was the #1 Blues release on XM satellite radio's Bluesville channel during the week of October 14, 2006.

Memphisapolis

---

Wee Willie Walker & The Greaseland All Stars - Live! Notodden Blues Festival

Size: 161,7 MB
Time: 69:12
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Blues Soul
Art: Front

01. Intro (Memphis Troll Stew) (Live) (3:42)
02. Between The Lines (Live) (4:01)
03. Is That It (Live) (5:13)
04. You Name It, I've Had It (Live) (3:37)
05. Ticket To Ride (Live) (3:48)
06. Little Red Rooster (Live) (5:34)
07. Funky Way (Live) (4:39)
08. There Goes My Used To Be (Live) (3:52)
09. I Ain't Gonna Cheat On You No More (Live) (3:57)
10. I've Been Watching You (Live) (4:28)
11. Can I Change My Mind (Live) (6:10)
12. A Change Is Gonna Come (Live) (6:33)
13. A Lucky Loser (Live) (5:03)
14. Help! (Live) (8:31)

This live recording from Norway in 2016 captures the raw soul of Willie Walker. It is as good as any of his studio recordings. This CD features the talents of Kid Andersen and special guest Rick Estrin. Using the Nightcats as the rhythm section and featuring an outstanding Norwegian horn section, the performance crackles with fire and enthusiasm. Producers Kid Andersen and Jim Pugh both are featured and always add the right flavor to the song without overpowering the vocals. Covers of Sam Cooke, The Beatles and Bobby Rush sit alongside updated versions of his 60’s classics and round out this snapshot of this talented singer in his prime.

"Willie Walker is one of the last, if not THE last, real soul singers on this planet. I had the pleasure of hearing him for the first time at the very show you are listening to on this CD.

I have to say my jaw hit the floor!

The way he uses his instrument, his voice, to draw people in is absolutely the way it is suppose to be done... and he is one of the few to still do it. What a gem to find this late in my life.

You can't call it old school because it is timeless, soulful, and right! Just a few notes out of his mouth and I'm sure you will be sold as well." ~Kim Wilson

Live! Notodden Blues Festival

---

The Butanes Featuring Willie Walker - Long Time Thing

Year: 2011
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:14
Size: 133,6 MB
Styles: Blues, soul-blues
Scans: Full

1. Long Time Thing (3:28)
2. It Ain't Your Ladder (3:16)
3. Let's Fall In Love (4:16)
4. How Long You Think You Got? (2:53)
5. You've Never Had A Love Like Mine (4:10)
6. Drift To Sleep (2:23)
7. Do It Yourself (3:17)
8. I Just Don't Believe (3:12)
9. I Want To Be The One (3:22)
10. Dirty Deeds (4:39)
11. If You Expect To See Another Day (4:36)
12. I'm OK (3:32)
13. A Little Peace Of Mind (3:56)
14. She Lifts Me (4:19)
15. Betrayed (3:23)
16. Crawl Inside A Bottle (3:26)

The Butanes and Willie's third collaboration sidesteps into the blues and contains 16 original tracks. 5 songs feature 10 horns and Michael B. Nelson's stellar big band arrangements. Special guests include 3 Hornheads, Bruce McCabe on various keyboards, Big George Jackson on harp and jazz pianist Mary Louise Knutson swinging hard on the title track.

Long Time Thing mc
Long Time Thing zippy

---

Various - Say Hi To Northern Soul

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:23
Size: 129.1 MB
Styles: Memphis blues, Soul
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[2:06] 1. Willie Mitchell - That Driving Beat
[2:26] 2. Charlie Rich - Love Is After Me
[2:59] 3. Melodics - Ain't That Sharing My Love
[2:12] 4. Ace Cannon - Sea Cruise (Instrumental)
[2:18] 5. Janet & The Jays - Hurtin' On You Baby
[2:08] 6. James Fry - Mama's Boy
[2:15] 7. Don Bryant - Comin' On Strong
[2:12] 8. Willie Mitchell - The Champion, Pt. 1
[2:52] 9. George Jackson - So Good To Me
[2:25] 10. The 5 Royales - Help Yourself
[2:49] 11. Gene Miller - Sho Is Good
[2:45] 12. Kim Melvin - Doin' The Popcorn
[2:31] 13. Willie Mitchell - Who's Making Love
[1:55] 14. Ann Peebles - I Can't Let You Go
[2:07] 15. Syl Johnson - Anyone But You
[3:08] 16. Charlie Rich - Don't Tear Me Down
[2:19] 17. Janet & The Jays - Love What You're Doing To Me
[2:58] 18. Bobo Mr. Soul - Hitch-Hiking To Heartbreak
[2:56] 19. Willie Walker - Love Makes The World Go Round
[2:37] 20. Veniece - Stepchild
[2:34] 21. Africano - Satisfactorize Your Mind
[3:42] 22. Majik - Back Into Your Heart

It's puzzling how they can promote this CD as a "Northern Soul" compilation, seeing as how these tracks were all recorded for the Hi Records label in Memphis; more like the heart of Southern Soul! Definitions and sub-genres aside, this is a very good collection of soul music, spanning the years 1965 to 1979. This album is subtitled "Willie Mitchell's Ultimate Driving Beat," mainly for the fact that Mitchell was an executive at Hi Records and produced most (if not all?) of these recordings, plus he also has two of his instrumentals on this collection. Another instrumental on here is a cover of "Sea Cruise" by Ace Cannon, but the rest of the tracks are vocal numbers. There are some VERY obscure artists on this CD, some of whom recorded only a single or two for the label. One of the last tunes that the famous Five Royales recorded before they broke up in 1967 is included, as are some dynamite songs by George Jackson, Don Bryant, and even the amazingly versatile Charlie Rich. Those looking for Hi Records stalwarts such as Al Green, Ann Peebles, O.V. Wright, Otis Clay, and Syl Johnson will be disappointed by their absence from this CD, but the many other quality tracks more than make up for the lack of big names. This CD comes with an informative booklet with short bios on each artist, along with song credits and times. A good package. Fans of 60s and 70s soul music, as well as Hi Records and Willie Mitchell fans, should find plenty to enjoy. ~Donald Gilliland

Say Hi To Northern Soul mc
Say Hi To Northern Soul zippy

---

Wee Willie Walker - If Nothing Ever Changes

Size: 109,5 MB
Time: 46:45
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Blues Soul
Art: Front

01. Read Between The Lines (3:15)
02. Help! (Feat. Curtis Salgado) (4:50)
03. Everybody Meets Mr. Blue (3:01)
04. I've Been Watching You (3:20)
05. Not That I Care (4:00)
06. Is That It (4:19)
07. I Don't Remember Loving You (4:28)
08. Funky Way (4:07)
09. What Love Can Do (2:59)
10. Hands Of Time (3:15)
11. If Nothing Ever Changes (5:18)
12. Hymn For Lonely Hearts (3:47)

Amidst all the hype, posturing and polished glam in today's music industry, when an unpretentious soul singer rises to the occasion and steps up to the microphone, it is a joyous occasion. With impeccable gospel, R&B, and soul credentials, vocalist Wee Willie Walker has been paying dues since his first recording for Goldwax Records in 1967. After shuffling between Memphis and Nashville, he wound up and persevered in the Minneapolis music scene, singing for various acts, and in 2002 put out a self-titled record, leading to fronting local band The Butanes. This association resulted in a series of records, and several tours abroad, yielding the opportunities to keep himself in top performance shape. In 2013 he released an album of covers with guitarist Paul Metsa, done in a laid back duo format. He was prime for a major comeback effort.

If Nothing Ever Changes brings Walker into the studio with a solid line up of premier musicians and fresh material to showcase his remarkable ability to deliver songs in the classic retro soul style which has become his trademark. Produced by harmonica man Rick Estrin of The Nightcats fame, this record is another in the small but growing catalog of The Little Village Foundation, a new label specializing in notable acts worthy of further acknowledgment, founded by keyboardist Jim Pugh, who also plays on the record.

It is clear from the opening intro of "Read Between The Lines" that this is a no nonsense production burning like a coal fired freight train. Walker comes out swinging and does not let up. They flawlessly slide into a ballad version of the Beatles "Help!" which also features vocalist Curtis Salgado, before turning it back up on "Everybody Meets Mr. Blue," complete with flashes of horn arrangements from the Otis Redding songbook. Great care and thought was taken behind the song selections which covers perfectly the wide range of expressions that Walker can interpret successfully. He brings it way down with the original "Not That I Care," a gut wrenching reflection on self-denial gone wrong. It's in those slower ballads as "What Love Can Do," and "Nothing Ever Changes," where the true soul singer comes into his own and the pretenders are quickly weeded out, for it takes an innate talent and ability to tell the story with credibility and heart felt emotion. Walker proves he's got what it takes and puts it on the line, and though provided with appropriate material, it's the singer not the song.

Special mention is in order for the impeccable musicians who played on this project, for they captured the legitimate feeling essential for this music. Recorded in Kid Anderson's Greaseland Studio in San Jose, California, noted for its raw and accurate approach in recording techniques, If Nothing Ever Changes shines as a beacon of hope in the survival of genuine soul music. ~James Nadal

Personnel: Wee Willie Walker: lead vocals; J Hansen: drums, percussion; Randy Bermudes: fender bass; Jim Pugh: piano, organ; Kid Anderson: guitar, lead guitar (11), Moog, Melotron; Bob Welsh: guitars, piano, Wurlitzer, electric piano; Rusty Zinn: guitars, lead guitar (10), background vocals; Terry Hanck: sax; Nancy Wright: sax, solo (6); Frankie Ramos: sax, solo (3); Eric Spaulding: sax; John Halblieb: trumpet; Manny Angel: trumpet; Tom Poole; Farris Jarrah: trombone; Lisa Leuschner Anderson: backing vocals; Donnie Woodruff: backing vocals; Will Russ: backing vocals; Dennis Dove: backing vocals; Nate Ginsberg: piano (11); Lorenzo Farrell: Moog (12); Rick Estrin: harmonica (8); Mike Rinta: horn and string arrangement (9); Timba Harris: violin; Don Dally: viola; Nicci Welch: cello; Curtis Salgado: vocal (2).

If Nothing Ever Changes

---

Various - Gary Davis Style: The Legacy Of Reverend Gary Davis

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 61:02
Size: 139.7 MB
Styles: Acoustic blues, Folk, Roots
Year: 2002
Art: Front

[2:40] 1. Ari Eisinger - I'm Throwing Up My Hand
[3:11] 2. Willie Walker - South Carolina Rag
[3:06] 3. Blind Boy Fuller - Rag, Mama, Rag
[3:22] 4. Ken Whiteley & Friends - Let Us Get Together
[4:34] 5. Maria Muldaur - I Am The Light Of This World
[3:25] 6. Ernie Hawkins - Will There Be Stars In My Crown
[2:24] 7. Eric Noden - Pure Religion
[1:58] 8. Pat Conte - Devil's Dream
[4:25] 9. William Lee Ellis - I Heard The Angels Singing
[2:34] 10. Ellen Britton - United States March
[2:50] 11. Mary Flower - Sit Down On The Banks
[2:38] 12. John Cephas & Phil Wiggins - Twelve Gates To The City
[3:14] 13. Ian Buchanin With The Otis Brothers - Hesitation Blues
[2:26] 14. Perry Lederman - Gary Davis Style
[2:23] 15. Peter, Paul And Mary - Samson & Delilah I
[2:23] 16. Mitch Greenhill & Mayne Smith - Samson & Delilah Ii
[3:51] 17. Penny Lang & Freinds - God Knows How Much We Can Bear
[2:53] 18. Jerry Ricks - Where'd You Get Your Liquor From Hesitation Blues
[2:59] 19. Dave Van Ronk & Freinds - Soon My Work Will All Be Done
[3:38] 20. Rick Ruskin - I Will Do My Last Singing In This Land

This project started as an attempt to celebrate the centenary of Rev. Gary Davis's birth, but turned into something more like herding cats. We now present to you twenty musical examples that include his early Greenville partner, Willie Walker, from whom Blind Gary undoubtly learned a few tricks; his earliest known student, Blind Boy Fuller, whose commercial success virtually transformed the post-depression blues world; and eighteen recent entries, who were either students of his, or who were taught by someone who was.

The people on this CD are intened to be representative, but not exhaustive. This is because Rev. Davis was as much a teacher as he was a player, and he taught whomsoever presented themselves to be taught, for however long they were in his presence. If we had an unlimited budget and all the CDs in the world, we could present ten times as many people. When I first saw Davis in 1963, I flipped, I would assume the same holds true for all the performers whose works are reproduced here.

Half the numbers were taken from existing CDs, including the two 78s. The other half were newly minted by the performers, and may turn up on their own CDs as time goes on. An effort was made to be as inclusive as possible: we have male and female, black and white, gentle and Jew, Canadian and American, and while most of the performers are living, some have followed Rev. Davis from this vale tears. Rev. Davis did not discriminate. His influence was broad, far reaching and lifelong. But most of all, it was personal. Of the twenty performers on this recording, the majority knew him well, a couple knew him peripherally, and the remainder would have sought him out had they had the chance. ~Andy Cohen

Gary Davis Style: The Legacy Of Reverend Gary Davis

---