Walk That Walk – The Lifer
self release
8 songs time – 30:16
The Boston based Walk That Walk led by their patriarch Poppa C DeSnyder who handles lead vocals, guitars, slide, dobro and percussion, as well as writing or co-writing seven of the eight songs here, leads the band and guest artists through music infused by Americana, blues, folk, and rock. It is the culmination of many years on the road. Aside from their own career, they have served as the touring backing band for greats like Bo Diddley, Johnnie Johnson and Carey Bell. This gaggle of musicians deliver some well-crafted music.
Pappy Biondo’s banjo and Poppa’s acoustic slide guitar blend together in a heady folksy-rootsy stew on the lively “you can’t catch me”. Pappy really lets loose on his banjo towards the songs end. James “Stickman” Waldron on harmonica and Ray Paczkowski kick “i ain’t thinking about you” into gear. Perseverance is addressed on “stand up, don’t quit”. Some hearty organ by Ray. A similar subject is broached on the protest encouraging “get up”. Energetic guitars bolster the song nicely.
“i ain’t no stranger” chugs along quite nicely due to the guitar attack and interweaving piano. The lyric “I wipe out my tracks” recalls Howlin’ Wolf’s “Tail Dragger”. Ray’s jaunty organ enhances the good time vibe of “make mine a double”. Dang, that organ gets me! The title track “the lifer” reflects on day-in-day-out factory work. Somebody imbues the song with a blazing guitar solo. The lone cover song is by Fleetwood Mac’s Danny Kirwan, “one sunny day” with vocals by Jimmy James Love. Slide guitar plays in unison with the vocal, in classic blues tradition. The guitar interaction does recall the blues-based days of Fleetwood Mac.
At just over thirty minutes, a lot of good music is crammed into this relatively short album. Poppa C also took care of the production. This is truly a well-conceived piece of music. I can’t wait for more of the same!
