Walter 'Wolfman' Washington 7 Albums (1986-2008)

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Walter 'Wolfman' Washington 7 Albums (1986-2008)

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Walter Washington became a local legend in the black clubs of New Orleans in the '70s and '80s and worked his way up to national status with a series of well-received albums and appearances. His recording affiliations have likewise moved from local to national independent to major label. An innovative guitarist and fine singer who has also done some excellent work with vocalist Johnny Adams, Washington does not perform in the classic New Orleans R&B mold but incorporates soul, funk, jazz, and blues with fluency and power.Washington was born and raised in New Orleans, where he performed in his mother's church choir as a child. As he grew older, he fell in love with blues and R&B and learned how to play guitar. His first big break came in the form of a supporting role for vocalist Johnny Adams, working with the singer in the late '50s. In the early '60s, Washington became a member of Lee Dorsey's touring band; after that engagement was through, he worked with Irma Thomas.In the mid-'60s, Washington formed his own group, the All Fools Band, and began headlining at local New Orleans clubs. By the early '70s, his popularity had grown enough to earn him a slot on a European package tour of New Orleans R&B acts. In the late '70s, he toured Europe on his own with his new band, the Roadmasters.Washington began his recording career relatively late, cutting his first album in 1981. The record, Rainin' In My Heart, appeared on a small independent label called Help Me; it was later re-released on Maison de Soul. Four years after his debut, Washington landed a contract with Rounder Records, releasing Wolf Tracks in 1986. The guitarist recorded two more albums for Rounder – Out of the Dark (1988) and Wolf at the Door – before moving to the major-label Point Blank/Charisma in 1991. Throughout the '90s, Washington continued to perform regularly, particularly in New Orleans clubs, and he recorded occasionally, yielding Blue Moon Risin' in 1999 and On the Prowl a year later–by Jim O'Neal

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Walter 'Wolfman' Washington 7 Albums (1986-2008)

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Guitarist/vocalist Walter "Wolfman" Washington didn't get his shot on a national label until his 1986 debut for Rounder. While the album wasn't flawless, he possessed a strong, often compelling voice and was a skilled guitarist who could play effectively in a blues, R&B or jazz mode. Washington turned in a competent cover of the Tyrone Davis hit "Can I Change My Mind," spun a good yarn on "You Got Me Worried" and sounded weary, forlorn and anguished on various cuts. Although his songs weren't exactly lyrical triumphs, they were earnestly performed, and Washington displayed more than enough talent to justify subsequent followups.–by Ron Wynn

1. I'm Tiptoeing Through 4:47
2. Thinking for Yourself 3:50
3. Are You the Lady? 5:36
4. Sweet Cakes 4:21
5. It Was Fun While It Lasted 3:42
6. You Got Me Worried 5:59
7. One Way or Another 5:24
8. Can I Change My Mind 4:20
9. Without You 5:02

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Walter 'Wolfman' Washington 7 Albums (1986-2008)

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Walter "Wolfman" Washington's second Rounder session mixed Crescent City R&B and jazz licks with contemporary and vintage songs and production. Washington's cover of "Ain't That Loving You," while not quite as dramatic as Bobby "Blue" Bland's, was still outstanding, while he was appropriately ironic and bemused on "You Can Stay but the Noise Must Go" and vividly soulful on "Save Your Love for Me" and "Steal Away." Only on "Feel So Bad," a questionable song at best, did he sound strained and unfocused. Washington's guitar playing was sharp, creative, and tasty without being self-indulgent. It wasn't the kind of glossy, trendy work that garners the pop spotlight, but Washington showed progress and fine skills.–by Ron Wynn

1. You Can Stay But the Noise Must Go 6:20
2. On The Prowl 4:04
3. Steal Away 4:31
4. Out Of The Dark 5:55
5. Ain't That Loving You 4:02
6. Feel So Bad 4:20
7. Nobody's Fault But Mine 5:20
8. Save Your Love For Me 8:05

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Walter 'Wolfman' Washington 7 Albums (1986-2008)

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Walter Washington's Sada is a blues album only in the loosest sense of the term – Washington draws from Southern soul and funk as much as Chicago blues. Even so, he and his band are accomplished professionals, capable of negotiating every twist and turn in the music. The uptempo numbers are fun, but the best part about the record are the ballads – Washington is a smooth, seductive singer and he makes all of his slow ones sound heartfelt and genuine.–by Thom Owens

1. I'll be good 4:24
2. Skin tight 4:07
3. Ain't no love in the heart of the city 4:04
4. Girl I wanna dance with you 3:23
5. Share your love 4:30
6. Chokin' kind 4:10
7. Southern comfort 3:48
8. I got a woman 4:25
9. Sada 5:10
10. Nothing left to be desired 5:14
11. What's it gonna take 4:00

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Walter 'Wolfman' Washington 7 Albums (1986-2008)

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Most of this CD from Walter "Wolfman" Washington puts the focus on his voice, which is reminiscent of a young Ray Charles. The horn arrangements look back toward 1960s Motown, and five of the six tracks fall squarely into the idiom of pre-disco R&B, with touches of funk and gospel. "Peepin'" is a bit of a surprise, a minor-toned instrumental with Tom Fitzpatrick's soprano in the lead and some nice George Benson-ish guitar by Washignton. Even better are the last three tracks: the joyful blues "Tailspin," a minor blues ("At Night In the City"), and a bluesy ballad ("Don't Say Goodbye"). Wolfman Washington's versatility is quite impressive, making this a fairly memorable recording.–by Scott Yanow

1. Hello stranger 6:13
2. Is it something you've got - I had it all the time 5:33
3. I want to know 4:51
4. Peepin' 5:47
5. It doesn't really matter 6:04
6. Heatin' it up 4:24
7. Tailspin 3:04
8. At night in the city 4:47
9. Don't say goodbye 4:19

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Walter 'Wolfman' Washington 7 Albums (1986-2008)

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Walter "Wolfman" Washington, who has an expressive and enthusiastic if not overly memorable voice, is virtually the entire show during this set which mixes together New Orleans funk and 60s soul with aspects of the blues. Although there are pieces by Jerry Butler, Ray Charles and Gamble and Huff, most of the selections are Washington originals. Wolfman's backup group the Roadmasters (a rhythm section with keyboardist Luca Fredericksen plus three guest horn players) is fine in support but fairly anonymous. So this set is primarily recommended to listeners who enjoy Washington's voice and the 60s-soul style in general.–by Scott Yanow

1. Trials and tribulations 3:54
2. Funkyard 4:59
3. I stand accused 6:16
4. Mary Ann 4:48
5. Please come back to me 4:17
6. Wolf funk 6:47
7. When the answer is clear 5:38
8. Close the door 5:57
9. The big easy 4:59
10. I'm in love 3:54
11. Funk is in the house 5:26
12. Cousin Joe 0:06

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Walter 'Wolfman' Washington 7 Albums (1986-2008)

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1. Stop and Think 4:04
2. Glasshouse 4:12
3. You're Fine 3:31
4. Blues Has Got To Go 3:49
5. I Had a Dream 3:45
6. Fever 3:49
7. Blue Moon Risin' 6:03
8. Use Me 4:28
9. Can't Stop Loving You 3:49
10. Cadillac Woman 2:59
11. He Will See Us Thru 6:22
12. Drown 8:46

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Walter 'Wolfman' Washington 7 Albums (1986-2008)

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Look no further than the title to summarize this New Orleans veteran's music on his first studio set in nearly a decade. Bookending the album with the two-part "Shake Your Booty/Funky Thing" ensures that the proceedings start and end with the rump-shaking, horn-propelled R&B that, along with jazz, soul, and blues, makes Walter "Wolfman" Washington's music so much a part of his Crescent City home. He's never been particularly prolific, but after the long span between releases – partially due to the effects and aftereffects of Hurricane Katrina – the Wolf sounds electrified and inspired here. The second track, "I'm Back," tells that story against an urgent groove that keeps the party atmosphere while recounting the hurricane's devastation and his attempts to get the city and its people to return to a place that will never be the same. Wolf emits one of his patented howls on "Tweakin'," pushing the bumping rhythm into overdrive as the horns punctuate the choruses. His nimble guitar licks, somewhat similar to those of George Benson, offset the harder edge, bringing sensitivity and subtlety to the upbeat, get-down proceedings. Bluesy ballads "One Day from Being a Fool" and the low-key second line of "Crescent City Starlights" vary the mood while allowing Washington to explore his considerable vocal chops, which range from smooth to gritty. He swings like "Gatemouth" Brown on "Just Like That," a song from bassist Jack Cruz, who co-wrote four others with the guitarist. It's these tunes that make this arguably the finest entry in Washington's catalog. Each boasts hummable melodies and finger-snapping arrangements that play to the artist's strengths without overwhelming them. Wolfman (wearing his producer hat) and saxophonist Jimmy Carpenter (who also arranged the horns so integral to the sound) can take credit for much of this project's success by keeping the vibe taut yet raw enough to let the considerable soul shine through. The album doesn't break new ground, but shows Washington to be on top of his game with an invigorating set that will make you move your body with music that connects on every level. At this stage in his long career, that counts as a resounding success.–by Hal Horowitz

1. Shake your Booty/Funky Thing pt1 3:26
2. I'm Back 5:15
3. Tweakin 4:29
4. One day from being a fool 5:46
5. Crescent City Starlights 4:29
6. Just Like that 3:53
7. Only you 4:08
8. Wolf Jazz 4:32
9. Landslide 5:50
10. Shake your booty/Funky thing pt2 7:52

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Walter 'Wolfman' Washington 7 Albums (1986-2008)

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