PHILLIP WALKER "GOING BACK HOME" Source: BAS - Journal Date: 02/2007 Writer: Brian Harman

As Mr. Walker enters his seventh decade one could assume perhaps, that this, his debut album for Delta Groove, is a rambling collection of old numbers recorded just to accommodate a famous ageing bluesman. Well, I can confidently state that this collection of old numbers is far from accommodating that theory; in fact a great deal of care and attention to detail has been put into this showcase recording. A variety of types and styles are featured, including harp and piano led, slow, fast shuffles, which in turn display with wonderful clarity Mr. Walkers’ unique dexterity of picking ‘n’ plucking with his plectrum, also, the deep richness of sound he manages to create from his playing is stunningly delivered and the music simply oozes, then cascades over your ears with each replay of the album.

Mr. Walker has chosen a total of thirteen numbers some of which are written by the likes of: Lowell Fulson, Ray Charles, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Frankie lee Sims and Lonesome Sundown. These numbers, although by and large are from another era, their presence on this album merely reinforces the value of the blues of the past.  The profound emotion, the years of skill and experience, the total casualness and confidence of delivery that only comes with complete mastery of your art is also encapsulated in this album.

Assisting Mr. Walker, who takes lead vocals and guitar are: Rusty Zinn; rhythm and lead guitar, Jeff Tunes; standup and electric bass, tenor and baritone sax, Richard Innes; drums, Fred Kaplan; piano; James W.Thomas; electric bass, Rob Rio; piano, Al Blake; harmonica, David Woodford; tenor and double tenor sax. Quality, Smoothness, Undoubted Class.