The John Earl Walker Band - People Are Talkin (2005)

John Earl Walker’s latest release, People Are Talkin\' (Walkright Music), features more of the same of their hard-edged blues/rock sound, but this time there’s more of a blues edge to the proceedings. Walker, who has toiled for many years on the New York music scene, seems to have found the right combination on this release. His guitar work is just outstanding, particularly on selections like “It’s All Up To You,” and “Introductory Plan”, and his gruff vocals are what the doctor ordered on tracks like the title cut, “Introductory Plan,” “Lyin’ and Cheatin’,” and “Too Sad To Weep.”
The band, including Peter Harris on bass, Bobby Infante on drums, Joey Tremelo on guitar, Johnny Byrne on harmonica, and Gene Cordew on keyboards provide steady and dependable backing for Walker. Although all the tracks have their merits, Walker saved the best for last with “Welcome Back Mr. Blues,” a nearly seven minute blues tour de force with plenty of powerful blues guitar that you hate to hear come to an end. Fans of blues/rock will really love this one. Graham Clarke