PHILLIP WALKER "GOING BACK HOME" Source: Elmore Magazine Date: 08/2007 Writer: Robin Murray

Phillip Walker was born in 1937 in the small town of Welsh near Lake Charles, Louisiana.  Living in Louisiana, Phillip was first influenced musically by Cajun and Creole rhythms.  His family moved to Texas when he was young, where the blues made a big impression on him.  (He is a second cousin to the late, great “Gatemouth” Brown.)

A member of the Zydeco King Clifton Chenier Band, Phillip was a seasoned road veteran before he was old enough to buy a beer.  In the late ‘50s, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career, touring L.A., Texas, and Chicago and made his first record as a bandleader, “Hello My Darling,” for Elko Records.  His career soared over the years, and is ranked as one of the top ten important blues guitarists living today, influencing Robert Cray, among others.

Going Back Home takes Phillip back to his Cajun and Creole roots, suggested by Delta Groove head Randy Chortkoff.

“Leave My Money Alone” features Phillip’s strong guitar.  He expresses that his woman doesn’t want him anymore- she broke his heart.  All he wants is her to “Leave My Money Alone.”  In “Sweet Home New Orleans,” Phillip tells his story about his journey home.  He left to be on the road for many long years and now he’s going back down south to his “sweet home.”

This CD brings Phillip back to his roots, indeed.