Not only did Joe Louis Walker get to experience Muddy Waters’ music on tour – he got to experience his food.
Walker has been a blues force since he was a 16-year-old kid playing guitar and backing the best of the best on the stages of his hometown, San Francisco.
JLW could spend hours sharing celebrity stories, having recorded or performed with stars such as B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal and Ike Turner. Through his friendship with guitar great Mike Bloomfield of the Butterfield Blues Band, he also rubbed elbows with musicians including Jimi Hendrix, Steve Miller, Johnny Winter, members of the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane.
Tell us about the upcoming Australian tour, it’s your longest yet isn't it?
This is my longest tour of Australia. I've performed here on four occasions. Festivals and some shows with the fabulous Thunderbirds and Warren Haynes. I always wanted to see more of this beautiful country and meet more people here.
With such a long career in music, how have you seen the blues scene change, both at home and internationally?
I feel some of the biggest changes I've seen in blues is that there's not as many clubs. Also, there's more blues style groups with multiple leaders/ members, and the internet's huge impact on the CD/ record company business, making for less opportunities for the blues all around – nationally and internationally.
How has your music developed since you first began writing your own songs? Why the shift from gospel to blues?
I feel my music has developed over the years by using different styles of music to add flavour to my music; but only when I feel it works. And I've collaborated with quite a few, different musicians and producers to try to push myself as an artist. I've played gospel music, blues and various styles. I'm a somewhat adventurous soul when it comes to music and it's obvious when you hear my music.
How do you see the new generation of blues players? Do any particularly stand out for you?
I really feel that a lot of the younger artists are bringing some new and exciting elements to their presentation of the blues. Selwyn Birchwood, Derek Trucks, Shemekia Copeland, Jarekus Singleton, Mr. Sippi, Murali Coryell and Vanessa Collier are all unique and versatile artists that can perform in any genre, but are representing the blues in their personal styles.
What has been the biggest obstacle you've had to overcome to continue doing what you do?
I feel ALL people have had obstacles in their path as they try to navigate though this sometimes unpredictable world we live in. I honestly don't feel it's appropriate for me, someone who is afforded the privilege to make a living doing what I love to do, to complain about being afforded that opportunity. It really is an honour to be able to do this for so long, and people respect my dedication and commitment.
Have you ever thought about quitting or settling down from touring/ performing?
At one point while my kids where getting older, and I became a single father raising them, I did stop performing to be there with them in their later teens. All I can say is that you really don't know how much you miss everything about the music, until it's gone. Especially the release/ self-expression that music allows you. But I don't think I'll be quitting anytime soon.
What can we expect to see from you in the future?
I feel the future sometimes dictates to you where it's taking YOU. So I leave myself open to the things in life and in music that are unplanned.
San Francisco is seen as a world renowned hub for music, especially blues. Tell us a bit about your history there?
I come from the Fillmore District, which at some point in the ‘60s, when I was in my mid-teens was a breeding ground for so much experimentation. There is so much information on that era that I could write a book about it. Which I'm going to do in the future. Stay posted.
You're known for your distinctive guitar playing, run us through your creative process.
I try not to think so much, but to feel when it comes to creating anything that is organic – like most good music is. That's not to say that my music isn't arranged, practised etc. But I prefer not to omit the elements of surprise. I like to push it at times and do some things that might not be expected.
Is there anything you'd like to add?
I'd like to thank XABC and Bruce as well as the clubs /festivals for bringing me over here. Also the Australian fans, the musicians who are going to be doing these shows with the band and me. I've quite a few friends and fellow musicians who I can't wait too see. Also the beautiful country. And if anyone wants to stay in touch with me, I've the website JoeLouisWalker.com and you can befriend me on Facebook as well.
Written by Luke Ward
Joe Louis Walker Tour Dates
Wed 29 Oct - Mullumbimby Civic Memorial HallThu 30 Oct - New Globe Theatre (Brisbane)
Fri 31 Oct - Wangaratta Jazz & Blues Festival
Sat 1 Nov - Wangaratta Jazz & Blues Festival
Sun 2 Nov - Way Out West Roots Music Club (Williamstown)
Tue 4 Nov - The Gov (Adelaide)
Thu 6 Nov - Fly By Night Musicians Club (Fremantle)
Fri 7 Nov - Blues at Bridgetown (Bridgetown)
Sat 8 Nov - Blues at Bridgetown (Bridgetown)
