Biography
Raised on Chicago's south side by mother Glenda Allison, a gospel/jazz singer and club performer and Walter Sr. a performing guitarist, music was a mainstay in the Smith home. At a very early age, Walter took up guitar, sang and performed regularly in school programs.
As Walker grew he was schooled by great performers of the day including Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Jimmy Dawkins and Jimmie Lee Robinson among others. The school bell would ring with Walter at the side of the bandstand observing every move as these greats displayed their craft. After the performance Walter could always be found talking shop with his idols. Smith has fond memories of these days. Muddy Waters told me " Always play it from your heart". Buddy guy taught me the importance of developing my own sound. Jimmy Dawkins message was not to forget about the business side of things, while Jimmie Lee Robinson conveyed the importance of living clean and not getting caught up in "the game".
Walker honed his skills through out the years with various groups of musicians, eventually forming Walter Smith and Tight Rhythm. As the sound developed and the fan base grew it was time to record the first album. Veteran producer Jim Reeves was chosen for the project with past experience with Gregg Allman and ZZ Top.
" Cold Out & Down" was recorded in Evanston, Illinois at Reeves Audio and features eight original compositions. Songs range from the deep Chicago Blues of "Cold Chills" to the radio friendly, foot tapping "Cold Out & Down" and the autobiographical ballad " Family Rob"
Walker's next project " Walter Smith's Chicago Nights" was formed in the Tampa Bay Area, which brought with it a vast performing schedule , television and festival appearances.
In 2007 Walker released his second album "Ahead to the Past". This second album was recorded in Tampa Bay. With more originals, both electric and acoustic. This CD release won "Best Self Produced CD-2007" & represented the Suncoast Blues Society of Florida in the 2007 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. The band also won "Best Blues Performance Band-2007"-IBC: Tampa Bay region. The Walker Smith Group competed in & won the 2007 Beale Street Blues King Competition! This event was sponsored by the Beale Street Merchants Assn. of Memphis. This contest was an International competition with many IBC bands competing for the title "2007 Beale Street Blues Kings" which the Walker Smith Group now holds! Having emergered as one of the most promising new blues artists on the scene today Walker Smith has earned & continues to build an outstanding reputation among the fans & blues notables alike. In May of this year he showed the fire still burns with a critically acclaimed electrifying performance at the 2007 Tampa Bay Blues Festival!
Instrumentation
website : walkersmithgroup.com
Walker Smith - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Ben Jammin- Bass
Jeff Vincent- Harmonica
Mike Conway-Drums
Discography
Cold Out and Down
Ahead to the Past
Links
| http://www.walkersmithgroup.com |