Walter & the RMs @ The Lions Den, NYC
August 27, 2006 - photo by David Gray
Walter & Bobby Blue Bland @ King Biscuit
Fest
Helena, Arkansas - October 7, 2005
Washington began his career during the fertile heyday of the 1950s Rhythm and Blues period that spawned dozens of Number 1 songs and made New Orleans the recording destination of choice for hit makers like Ray Charles and Little Richard. Born in 1943, Washington was on the road by his late teens spending over two years backing the great vocalist Lee Dorsey who was touring in support of his smash hits, Ride Your Pony and Working in a Coalmine.
His tenure with Dorsey took him to all of the great music halls in America including appearances at the famed Apollo Theater in Harlem. Before he went out on his own with his Solar System band, he also did stints with acclaimed New Orleans songstress Irma Thomas as well as with the legendary jazzman David Lasties Taste of New Orleans band.
During the 1970s, Washington began a 20-year association with one of the most important vocalists to hail from Louisiana- the late, great Johnny Adams. Dubbed the Tan Canary for his peerless vocal stylings, Adams was a mentor of sorts to Washington who developed his singing style while the two worked together at back-of-town clubs including a long stint at the famed Dorothys Medallion in the Mid City section of New Orleans.
When Washington formed his first band as a leader he was often pigeonholed into the blues genre. But by taking his cues from the likes of Dorsey, Thomas, Adams and the jazzman Lastie, his sound reflects the full range of music from New Orleans. He certainly can howl the blues, hence his nickname, but his musical talents have always defined pure Crescent City soul. In later years, with the second rise of funk, Washington fully embraced that genre as well.
Seeing Walter Wolfman Washington perform with his current outfit, the Roadmasters, is akin to taking a history lesson on black music in America with the exception that sitting down and taking notes is not an option. With his breadth of experience and seemingly endless repertoire, each of his highly danceable shows is one-of-a-kind. Like the greatest jazzmen, Washington channels his everyday life into his music. Depending on the setting, the band plays the blues, R&B, soul, funk, jazz and everything in between with pure heart.
Washington, like Adams before him, is a great interpreter of song. He inhabits each number whether its a soulful ballad or a funk rave up. His gift of interpretation allows him to bring his own spirit to the composition while always exposing the true sentiments of the lyrics to the audience.
While Washington had to hone his vocal gifts learning phrasing and presence, his guitar playing has been without compare since the early days of his career. As a rhythm player he provides just the right tension to support his band members when they take their solos. But it is during his moments in the spotlight that Washington really shines. When he plays lead guitar, jaws often drop in the audience as he spins out highly nuanced solos that build in intensity or spiral around a central theme. Of course, thats before he even begins to play with his teeth!
Walter Wolfman Washington has earned numerous accolades over his long career, but he is not one to sit back on his laurels. He maintains a heavy schedule playing with the Roadmasters as well as with his trio, the Chosen Few. As if that were not enough, he also recently began a successful collaboration with some local jazzmen including the trumpeter James Andrews.
So the circle of New Orleans music comes full. Equally adept in virtually any genre, Washington stands out in a city full of great musicians for his unique style and uncommon grace as a guitarist, bandleader and vocalist.
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Just dropping by to say Hi and see what you’re up to and how you are doing.
As always, wishing you well. Stay positive, productive & purpose driven.
Peace
Michael
The Caynebration Super Jam and Silent Auction Fundraiser is ready to roll !
We'll start tonight around 9pm @ Le Bon Temps Roules, 4801 Magazine St New Orleans, LA 70115 (504) 897-3448 www. myspace. com/4801magazine
The lineup is incredible, and there will also be a silent auction, chair massage, and other surprises. Suggested donation is $10. If you want to donate more, feel free. You will not, however, be turned away if funds are an issue. If you wish to donate something for the auction, I will have a table with bid sheets where you can write a description.
Happy Cayneval!
See you for the Caynebration tonight @ Le Bon Temps!
Hi Mr Washington! Happy new Year! Hello from France. We are a funky band and we're playin' "You can stay but the noise must go" (your own cover) Good music... Keep on groovin' Dr GROOVE
Received word this afternoon re: Junk Yard Dog ~ I had such a great time tearing this town up every time you guys came to town. It was so much fun knowing him. My heart is truly sad and Thank You for putting music in the air and touching my life with your band and love ~ Jan
You know the people that say utopia isn't possible have already given up. Living sustainably in balance with our environment and food sources will bring us the freedom to live in harmony, and provide the opportunity for all to excel in their efforts, dreams and life path. Utopia is not only possible but it is the very essence that should guide our dreams and vision for ourselves and with each other. It is the horizon we should all strive for everyone and every nation. Anything short of that will lead us astray.
