Khalif Wailin’ Walter – Phoenix Risin’
Timezone Records
9 tracks/43 minutes
Khalif Wailin’ Walter is a military brat who moved around most of his youth. He listened to big band music in his childhood, switched to heavy, rocking stuff in his late teens, and in his 20’s became fixated on the blues. He got a half hour lesson from BB King which got him started. Having served time in bands with Carl Weathersby, Lonnie Brooks and Lurrie Bell, Walter is a passionate blues man who honors and pays tribute to the sound and masters of Chicago blues. He wrote all the tracks on this album and dedicates it to Lonnie, his first true mentor.
Khalif handles vocals, lead guitar, most of the bass work and some percussive stuff, too. Marcis Kahnins is on bass for track 7. Barry Wintergarden did all the drums except on one track where ”Rolx” Saulietis fills in, also on track 7. There are a host of others appearing, too. On keys are Chris Rannenberg (3 cuts on piano), Jacek Propowitz (organ and piano on a cut), Paul Jobson (organ on another cut) and Artis Locmelis on organ (one track). Horns are Tommy Schneller with tenor sax (3 cuts), Jurgen Wieching on baritone sax (the same 3 cuts), “Tinex” van Toor on tenor (one cut), Evert Hoedt on baritone (the same cut), Gary Winters on trumpet and flugelhorn (one cut).
“Connie Lee” is a nice, slow boogie with a great groove, horns, sweet vocals, vibrant piano and a slick guitar solo; just a great overall sound and vibe. Next is “Baby Please Lie To Me,” a jumping and swinging cut. The piano solo and guitar solo that follows it once again ring brightly and are cool. “The Streets” follows, a gritty and hard cut that evokes the problems of surviving in the inner city. Khalif sings with feeling as he testifies to the urban issues. His guitar adds to the emotion and feeling, grinding out the passion of the song.
Up next is the title track, a fun and rocking cut. Smooth vocals, vibrant guitar and just a sweet rock song to enjoy. “I’m Through Cryin’” is a deep, slow blues with driving guitar and just a pretty groove that grabs at your gut. Distorted vocals and heavy guitar licks combine to sell this one, along with a well-done organ solo. “Big Bootyed Woman” follows, a traditional Chicago blues and traditional blues theme. Gritty vocals, a slick shuffle, ringing guitar, horns, and a cool, overall vibe help make this song a good one.
“I’m Your Love Doctor” is another slow blues that gets you moving to the groove. Sexy vocals, poignant guitar and so organ all add to the feeling. Next is “Stone Cold Busted” with ringing guitar, barrelhouse piano, and some more slick horns. Khalif growls out the vocals, too. The album concludes with “Chi-Town Soundcheck,” another fun shuffle with big guitar to savor, a heavy beat and a great conclusion to a Chicago blues album!
Khalif mixes a little Texas style blues into the mix, but Chicago blues remain in the forefront throughout. If you want to hear some traditional Chicago blues by a young and cool guitar slinging artist who knows what he’s doing, then grab this one!
