Ira Walker Band

"Blame Me" was delivered to my house a short while ago. Having tossed it into the CD player while on my way to a blues event, I must admit....I wished that the drive was longer. I had the chance to listen to it once, then twice. Later that evening, I tossed it in again and again. Yes, the music was that good from start to finish. Intrigued, I googled Ira Walker, my new Face Book friend. I was totally blown away when I read his credits...nominated for a Grammy for his producing, singing and writing talents. Instinctively, I was drawn into Ira Walker's bio. He had not only written many songs but played with an amazing amount of musicians... Eddie Money, Travis Tritt, Carlos Santana and Steve Miller (and many more). A songwriter for Warner/Chapel publishing, his talents enabled Tommy Castro, Lenny Williams of Tower of Power, Patti Loveless, Lee Ann Womack and many more. He co wrote the Eddie Money hit, "I Wanna Go Back." I was bowled over when I read that he toured with Keb Mo in Europe. His "music resume" was impressive. His accolades were earned and well deserved.
Again, I listened to this master ....his talents include an unusual coupling of Blues, Rock and Southern Soul. Having 14 album producer credits under his belt, "Blame Me", is his own offering that is an outstanding piece of work. Artists included on the CD include: Brent Mason, Buddy Hyatt, Steve Hunter, Jack White, Brad Gillis and David Kaffinetti (Viv Savage). Blame Me is a great musical foray offered by a supreme musician who hails from San Francisco. His vocals were pleasing and rich. His musicianship was superb. The songs seemed effortless and as he went from one into another. If you don't get this CD, blame yourself, don't "Blame Me."
- Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania

When my old friend Herbie Herbert called me and booked time for a photo session with Zen Road Pilots, it triggered something in everyone involved. I had photographed most of the members of Capitol Records rock band Billy Satellite numerous times in the '80s. We all became friends, and after Billy Satellite fell apart. I worked with most of them in other projects over the years.

Now, more than 25 years after we first met, three-quarters of the original band are together again. The vibe was electric in the photo studio. Zen Road Pilots' new self-titled CD has vocalist/guitarist Monty Byrom, bassist/vocalist Ira Walker, and drummer Tom "Fee" Falletti. The Zen Road Pilots are the classic three-piece power trio. Herbie has pulled together some of his old creative team with art director Jim Welch (Journey, Steve Miller, Doobie Bros., Grateful Dead), producer Tom Size (Aerosmith, Joe Satriani), manager Paul Kalman, and me as photographer.. The new CD, starting with the amazing artwork fills a void in the guitar-driven, songwriter music that has been lacking of late! Buy their CD, you won't be disappointed. Pat Johnson for BAM - BAM magazine article by Pat Johnson

Beth Hart makes a stop in Nashville, Tennessee on her way across the ocean for a run of European shows. The sold out show at "3rd and Lindsley" is Hart's fourth time and the never ending line outside proves she is loved in this town. There really is no other place to be on this night in Nashville.

Openers ZEN ROAD PILOTS demonstrate immediately as they take the stage why Hart personally picked them. The three piece band has the make-up of THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE, bringing Hendrix sixties style to the forefront while using blues as a great foundation to build on. The crowd responded with hoots and hollers while applauding, letting this opener know they are a treat. Monty Byrom (guitars, vocals) has a voice that most blues singers can only dream about. It is rare that we make our way down to the front at any show but it was a necessity to get up close to see just who had the amazing chops. As if the vocals were not enough, he began to fire off tribal guitar solos with blistering precision and had all eyes locked on the stage.


Ira Walker (bass,vocals) gives the vibe of Jimi Hendrix with the lookof Michael D. Roberts as Rooster on Baretta. Rooster was one of the greatest characters on television in the 70's. Rooster's look was based on a combination of Jazz musicians of the 20's and the pimping style of the 70's. Walker is more than his look as he commands the stage with punishing funk driven bass. His vocals blend with Byrom's and add smooth overtones which become another instrument all together. It was hard to take your eyes off the stage as each songs builds to the next. Tom "Fee" Falletti (drums, percussion,vocals) has such flare behind the kit that he is often driven to stand and play, only bringing the crowd more in-sync. He came with a complete kit, not just a couple toms, a snare, high hat and some cymbals. His kit was loaded and he was ready to rock the crowd until the very end of their set. His back beats dominate the direction of every song yet he knew when a song called for a quiet touch. This band is the real deal live with their ability to grab the crowd's attention early then playing to them while letting the music do the talking. - Rusty Cage/ Music/ Live performance review