Great Guitars

Joe Louis Walker is a powerful blues guitarist and singer whose versatility and musical courage are showcased throughout this frequently rousing set. Walker collaborates (and sometimes battles it out) with Bonnie Raitt, Ike Turner, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, Taj Mahal, Robert Lockwood Jr. and the Johnny Nocturne Horns on one song apiece, in addition to having three features of his own. Of the many highlights, “Low Down Dirty Blues” (which features Walker and Raitt jamming on slide guitars), the 1940s jump band feel of “Mile-Hi Club,” the Walker-Guy guitar explosions on “Every Girl I See,” the joyful encounter with Matt Murphy on “Nighttime” and Lockwood’s appearance on “High Blood Pressure” are all quite memorable. This all-star gathering works quite well and is consistently memorable; all 11 selections are well worth hearing. – Scott Yanow