Joe Louis Walker has been active in the blues scene since the 60s, and in February Walker’s releasing more music — his upcoming album, Weight of the World, is set for release on February 17. To celebrate this release, Joe Louis Walker will perform at the Towne Crier Cafe in Beacon.
Walker broke onto the scene with a debut album called Cold Is The Night, but Joe Louis Walker had been on the scene for long before that. Growing up in the Bay Area amongst some of the greats, Walker is one of the last living connections to the forefathers of the blues; he learned first hand and played with the likes of B.B. King and James Cotton, and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in his own right. Known for his additions to the electric blues genre, Walker plays searing guitar and sings from the heart. His sound draws from more than just blues — it leans into rock and roll, draws from funk’s keyboards. Walker isn’t afraid to employ instruments from across cultures and genres. Despite his varying styles, his lyrics stay true to blues traditions, switching between mournful whines, spitting vengeance and earnest passion.
Weight of the World is releasing under Forty Below Records. If Walker’s last release, Blues Comin’ On, is any indication, listeners can expect instant blues classics and perhaps some unconventional features — Hot Tuna’s Jorma Kaukonen and punk rocker Charlie Harper both made appearances on his 2020 release.
The Towne Crier Cafe hosts live music almost every night, and tickets to see Walker are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. He’s set to take the stage on February 24, tickets are for sale here.
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