By Marlee Keeven
Bobby Walker’s Way Back When features five carefully-picked tunes from the past. Even though this album is most easily classified as rhythm & blues and jazz mixed with rock ‘n’ roll, not all of these songs were originally that. I have a lot of respect for any artist who can take someone else’s song, spin the style and make it their own.
In the first song, “Barefootin,” Walker creates a modern big band/swing sound out of the original 1965 Robert Parker tune. Walker’s voice especially makes this song differ from the originals. Rough, but soothing and friendly, his voice gives him the nice-guy appeal without losing the edginess.
Walker gets the most creative with “Pistol Packin’ Mama” (originally by country musician Al Dexter), giving it a Cajun twist with the addition of accordion and rub-board. The original version used none of these instruments.
The album’s last song, “Little Bit O’ Soul,” has quite a played history, previously done in mostly a rock ‘n’ roll fashion. Walker, however, jazzes it up (literally) with keys, horns and, of course, his own raspy, soulful voice.
Not forgetting Walker’s slower, sexier and smoother version of Brook Benton’s “Rainy Night in Georgia” as well as Harold Dorman’s “Mountain of Love,” Way Back When truly puts a fine touch on some classic songs, as well as Walker’s own extensive discography.
www.bobbywalkermusic.com
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