KJ Walker, guitar and vocals -- Carl Bittman, drums -- Ray Yukich, bass -- and whoever else we can get to sit in. Keyboardists: We need you. Get in touch!
Influences
Hank Williams, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Tom Petty, Leon Russell, Travelling Wilburys
KJ Walker is a veteran troubadour, just now breaking out of the Los Angeles blues circuit with a fresh folk-rock sound that echoes of Wilco, the Travelling Wilburys, the Jayhawks, Roddy Hart or the Volebeats – with an occasional foray into Tom Petty territory.
In KJ’s music and lyrics, you can hear the influences of some of the greats of American country rock like Hank Williams, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Leon Russell. Like their classic hits, KJ’s songs are simple but sophisticated. They’re personal yet about universal themes like love and longing.
KJ’s vocal style is decidedly mellow, meshing nicely with his tuneful melodies. The overall sound is rooted in acoustic guitar, but a full band provides enough power to act as a rhythmic launch pad for KJ’s energetic and distinctive electric guitar solos.
KJ started his musical career busking on the cobblestone streets of Europe. It’s been a long and varied musical journey since then. Along the way, he’s explored everything from folk to new wave to Chicago-style blues, meaning KJ can end up leading the listener down some pretty surprising avenues: country twang one minute, latin beats the next. But it all combines into his own musical expression and unique way of looking at people and the world.
For the last several years, KJ’s been playing blues clubs and roadhouses all around L.A.’s suburbs and exurbs. As he began integrating his own work into the mix, his sound began to emerge and evolve.
Most recently, his path led into the studio. Last year, KJ cut way back on live performances in order to focus on recording. The result? “Count Me In” – eleven original songs, on which he provides lead vocals, plays all the guitars and almost all of the keyboards. These tunes, when taken together, stand as KJ’s musical manifesto. They represent a recognition of his true musical soul – a starting point for the next chapter of his career, which is already being written, even as you read this.
hey KJ.... Winter is grand down here....not too cold. Thanks for accepting our friendship...we really do appreciate it very much. We really are loving your songs here...they’re absolutely GREAT!! We're about to release in a few weeks our new 5th CD….”SIGNS” Have a preview listen and a look at our new myspace face lift for the promo for it.....let us know what you think. The Streamliners from down under Australia sending you some good vibes for 2009.
Drop by my page my friend. I posted an MP3 and a video of me doing one of the hottest versions of Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child” that you’ll ever hear!....It may just fry your brain…..and you can download the MP3 for free!
Hi KJ Walker Band! Thank you for adding Blackmail Bluesband to your friends. You have great tracks on your profile. Hope you will have a wonderful week. Greetings from Sweden. Blackmail Bluesband.
Love n Honor
MT
