Other than a live album he recorded in Japan in the early Seventies, I have just about everything Phillip Walker recorded under his own name. Despite a big guitar sound his warm voice and gentle nature created a classy intimate setting for his blues. I never met him but those that did stressed his manners and kindness, the announcement of his death last Friday caught many folks unawares and it still hasn't yet sunk in. The three tracks I had on last night's STAR BLUES were scarcely enough to do him justice. He just beat Robert Cray into the studio for his version of "Don't be afraid of the dark", but the way of these things the critical acclaim wasn't matched by the high profile and subsequent sales from Cray even though they shared a producer and record label.
We also had a track from Steve Miller's first recordings in 19 years - an album of blues covers that feature the much missed Norton Buffalo on harp. Paolo Nutini's go at "Lovin' Machine" over Christmas prompted new listener Steve to ask about the original: it was Wynonie Harris as lead vocalist to the Todd Rhodes Orchestra in 1951. Another notable cover was Otis Reddings' version of "Satisfaction" he did in 1965 for the classic "Otis Blue" project - he upset the soul purists at the time but what he lost with them he gained in the mainstream.
Classic Rock magazine this month (there are other mags) has features on the Doors and on Stevie Ray Vaughan (who died 20 years ago next month). To coincide we did "Roadhouse blues" from the former and celebrated a "love struck baby" for the latter. I noted during the week its now possible to get Hound Dog Taylors songs in download format so there's the excuse to go to his "She's Gone" he did for Alligator. Aaron Neville has the build of a very trim and toned heavyweight boxer but the falsetto voice of an angel, tremulous and wispy on Sam Cooke's "change is gonna come" - that was over in the gospel tent. Our pianists were Ray Charles, Joe Liggins and Mike Sanchez. My birthday celebrations on Saturday ended with the dvd by Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings with Mike on lead vocals and keyboards. He is disgustingly talented and the good Lady Blue thinks he's real cute - me I love his tomfoolery, I have much to learn it seems.
Good to hear that Sophie has Mark Peters in hand on Star Breakfasts and the podcasts are easily the equal of Mrs Dales' diary - "I'm worried about Jim..." (Did you see his photos on Facebook: toned and buff or what - confirms my theory about him being a babe magnet). While I still have a job I'll put the spade down until next Sunday at 10pm, I hope you'll be able to come along for some more blues. Until then take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you
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