PHILLIP WALKER "GOING BACK HOME" Source: Suncoast Blues Society, FL Date: 05/2007 Writer: Marcella Ruso

I was only three beats into this new mix from Louisiana and Texas, a collection of classic and catchy new originals by Phillip Walker, and I knew. Three beats and I knew I was gonna’ sit back and melt into this down-home funky release by the legendary Gulf Coast guitarist, and I was ready! Walker was backed up by some guys just like him, musicians of kindred spirit, that knew just the right times to let it all go.
    
Let’s name some names. How about drummer Richard Innes and bassist Jeff Turmes, working together to give us one hell of a blues rhythm, and in Walkin’ with Frankie and Lyin’ Woman, Turmes gives us a special treat on the sax! How about Rusty Zinn! This guy is the perfect second lead guitar complement to Walker playing in accord to his warm vocals in the likes of Mean Mean Woman and Honey Stew. When these two guitarists trade solos, like in Lay You Down, they are building a fire that burns you oh, so good! David Woodford joins in with his tenor sax in Bad Blood and you are taken all the way home.
    
Add the harp of master Al Blake in Sweet Home New Orleans and you know it can’t get any better. Pianist Fred Kaplan and ace Rob Rio and James W. Thomas are also on this disc, so you know you are going to end up with one of the best recordings of Phillip Walker’s long and memorable music makin’ moments.

Sit back and enjoy. Phillip Walker’s playin’ and we’re all “goin’ back home!”