Lightnin' Hopkins, Magic Slim, Freddie King, T-Bone Walker, James Peterson, Albert King, Pee Wee Crayton, Steve Cropper, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Snooks Eaglin, Wes Montgomery, B.B. King, Duane Allman, Dickey Betts, Magic Sam, Will McTell, Bobby Radcliff, Brother Dave Likhtiger, Joe Louis Walker, Arthur Neilson, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Santana, Peter Green, Guitar Slim, Lucky Peterson, Taj Mahal, Michael Bloomfield, Little Walter, Ronnie Earl, Jerry Garcia, Otis Rush, Johnny Winter, Earl King, Albert Collins...
Sounds Like
"guitar playing meaner than a boot full of barbed wire" -BluesTrain FM, Netherlands
A New York City based blues guitar player, singer, band leader, and song writer, Jake Walker is a rising star on the international blues scene. He leads several bands, in the U.S., Netherlands, France, and U.K. Jake's unique and powerful take on the blues has been turning heads, and winning new fans on several recent tours across Europe. His first studio album, "Confidence Man", produced and mixed by Elliot Mazer (Janis Joplin, Neil Young, The Band, Mike Bloomfield, etc.) is soon to be released on Left Turn Music. It features world renowned blues musicians, including Mark Naftalin (original Paul Butterfield Blues Band member), Mike Latrell (Popa Chubby, Bill Perry, Richie Havens), Arthur Neilson (Shemekia Copeland's guitarist, here on bass), and Matt Mousseau (Christine Santelli). Recorded live in a mid-town Manhattan studio, the album reflects some of Jake's eclectic influences: Stax, gospel, funk, Chicago blues, New Orleans R&B, Texas blues, and even a "surf" instrumental-- all with tons of burning, imaginitive, guitar playing throughout. The "Confidence Man" album, according to U.K. Blues-Rock phenom, Danny Bryant, "at times sounds like vintage Freddie King, and at times blistering Ronnie Earl -but always Jake Walker...he is one of the very finest guitarist/ singers anywhere." With a guitar and vocal style that draw on the deep feeling and soulfulness of the blues, Jake “easily bears comparison to the intensity of blues greats like Otis Rush, Freddie King, and Peter Green...he has that same quality that makes you shiver...he strikes crowds with blues fever”. (Dordrecht News, The Netherlands, November 2006). Jake paid his dues in the time-honored blues tradition, backing JSP and Alligator Records recording artists James and Lucky Peterson, in the Tampa, Florida blues scene before striking out on his own. Returning in 2005 to his hometown of New York City, Jake held down long-running spots at famed Big Apple clubs such as A&M Roadhouse and The Cutting Room, fronted The NYC Blues Devils (the neo-burlesque house band for Le Scandal Cabaret), and has headlined four critically acclaimed tours across Europe. Winner of Big City Rhythm and Blues Magazine's “Artist of the Week Award”, June 2006, they raved “Some of the best tone in the world!!” Blues In Britain concurs, noting, "His Gibson Les Paul has a beautiful warm tone, out from which he wrings every drop of emotion". Jake's latest tour (April/May 2008) has brought him to audiences in 27 European cities in England, France, Belgium, and Holland, and major FM radio appearances. Look out for Jake in Fall 2008 as he tours Europe once again, and be sure to pick up a copy of the "Confidence Man" album at any concert.
Jake Walker suite 40&title=Check out this video: Jake Walker with Black and Blue">Add to My Profile | More VideosCheck out this video: Jake Walker with Black and Blue
So I hear your tune confidence man is getting airplay on 100.7FM down here. Bout time! nice write up in the 12 bar rag b.t.w. I have a 2 page interview in the same issue.
Very nice to meet you at Red Kees. You know I think I got your cold! Hope you are feeling better and are having a great tour. See you in November! Maybe I will see you in New York.
Ha, Jake, Twas good seeing you again last night in Monster. Tight band you got there. No need to bring any others from the US, ha, we got some fine musicians here too. Well, you knew that already. Anyway, had to - just a little - get used to your present sound, but it worked out very, very well. In the end the show was just too short after all, ha! Thanks for the amusement, see you around, you will be back.
Heya Bro Jake, some wonderfulllllll radio, last night. Dang, what a blast. Thanks to you and the Mofo party Band. I enjoyed every minute of it. And your new CD is a must! Anybody with a taste in music should buy one. See you soon, somewhere on the road.
Hey Jake so good to hear from you.Love your playing sounds great my man.Hopefully we can connect love to play with you. Best Wishes, Safe Travels, Mike Fox............
Everything is cool here Jake! I miss hearing you play though so thanks for putting up the new tunes. They sound great! When are you coming back to NY & playing a show. I'm looking forward to sitting back, having a martini and hearing the Blues ... Walker-style.
