PHILLIP WALKER "GOING BACK HOME" Source: Daily Texan Online Date: 03/2007 Writer: Roger Gatchet

I know the 2007 train has just started rolling down the tracks, but Texas Gulf Coast bluesman Phillip Walker's new record has already earned a spot on this year's top 10 list. Oh yeah, it's that good.

Walker was raised in Port Arthur, home to Texas legends like Janis Joplin and Clifford Antone, and by the time he was 16 years old had already recorded with legends Roscoe Gordon and the "King of the South," Zydeco pioneer Clifton Chenier.

Like many post-War Texas bluesmen, Walker moved to the West Coast in the 1950s and settled in Los Angeles. Southern California was a hot blues spot in the country at the time, with artists like Johnny "Guitar" Watson, George "Harmonica" Smith, and T-Bone Walker creating a new sound that combined the best of Chicago and Texas blues with the upbeat sounds of big band, California swing.

This is a back-to-the-roots record for Walker and highlights the best of the West Coast, Texas and Delta blues styles. Walker is in top form, backed by a crew of outstanding musicians who are all veterans in their own right (like guitarist Rusty Zinn and pianist Fred Kaplan). Walker's aged, expressive vocals, masterful guitar work and impeccable timing make this an amazing record.