Walter Christopher
Gig Seeker Pro

Walter Christopher

New York City, New York, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2001 | SELF | AFTRA

New York City, New York, United States | SELF | AFTRA
Established on Jan, 2001
Band R&B Soul

Calendar

Music

Press


"Walter Christopher - The Mellisonant Album"

Review By: Ahlia Love
Walter Christopher "The Mellisonant Album”

Label: AVH Entertainment

This may be Walter Christopher’s 5th CD project but it’s the first time I can say he became one of my new favorite artists. Normally I’ll just play about 30 seconds of a track to see whether it’s worth the listen. In the case of The Mellisonant Album it wasn’t that simple. I found myself listening to many of the tracks several times. Each has it’s own exceptional flavor while sticking to the common thread of being undeniably smooth.

Track 1: Mellisonant – Just the kind of song that can change your attitude about the stresses you may have been facing prior to listening. It’s a catchy track that can help you forget about your troubles if you just let the music take you there. While it definitely sounds like a classic Earth, Wind & Fire tune, I wouldn’t consider this a comparison but more of a compliment to Mr. Christopher.

Track 2: You’re the Best - one of the smoothest, funkiest old school style grooves I heard in a long time. Such an exciting blend of horns, keys and soulful vocals. It grows on me the more I hear it.

Track 4: Sexy Cool – It is just that. The vocals are seductively sassy which gives this track it’s sexy while the drummer and bassist give this selection it’s cool. This composition is something that will surely be appreciated by the sophisticated listeners. Sexy Cool may be my favorite title on this project.

Track 5: Falling In Love Part 1 –This interesting composition has a great old school bop feel. The light sprinkling of horns and soft guitar under smooth meaningful lyrics put it in that gotta’ hear it twice category. I wouldn’t be surprised if this track becomes a new first dance favorite at weddings.

Track 7: Just Us Two – This song is just so romantic. Simplicity at it’s best. I found this equation to be an appropriate blend of one silky vocalist and one gifted keyboardist creating one incredible love song. Another perfect Wedding or Anniversary celebration track.

Track 8: Splendor of Love – a Bouncy, light rhythmic musical experience with just the right touch of funk. The perfect mix of keys, bass and gentle drumming balanced with those smooth vocals make everything flow splendidly.

Simply stated, if you like good music, The Mellisonant Album by Walter Christopher should be added to your collection immediately if not sooner. I love the energy of this project as it goes from mellow to upbeat back to mellow. This CD will certainly be part of my road music collection. It’s something I’ll want to hear whether I’m taking a smooth Sunday cruise or just a quick run to the market. Well done Mr. Christopher. - Smooth Jazz Magazine


"The Mellisonant Album - Review"

It's no secret to Soul Trackers that the challenges facing independent artists are not for the weak of heart. Even with increased outlets for exposure via social networking and Internet radio, the ability for authentic, gimmick-free performers to make a return on their investment depends on a number of factors outside of quality material and impressive live shows. Constant visibility, eye-catching tweets intertwined with clever marketing impetus, and a certain amount of free content seem to be mandates for talented folks looking to make a widespread commercial impact. If that weren't the case, then North Carolina-born, Harlem-raised crooner Walter Christopher's name would certainly be more recognized by now.

On his fourth full-length collection, The Mellisonant Album, Walter continues to deliver his signature mellifluous tones over the classic-styled sort of grooves found on his previous set, It's All about Love, Vol. 2; but he also expands his scope to include pleasingly phrased, jazz-spiced tunes that demonstrate his remarkable confidence in simply letting the feelings flow. What's most striking about his interpretations in either scenario is the unaffected way in which he wraps his chords around each line of every song. His pliable tone is at once both sophisticated and youthful. This is never more evident than on the charming "Falling in Love," a floating number which appears here in two versions. Every bit as engaging, the spunky shuffler "You're the Best" finds him smoothly gliding alongside bright sax lines by Dave Watson. "...It doesn't get no better, don't want no other pleasure," Walter declares. Musical truth.

Walter makes no unnecessary concessions to fit in with trends of the moment on The Mellisonant Album. On the straight-ahead, swinging jazz groove of "Sexy Cool," for instance, he relies purely on class and understatement to express his appreciation to a lady who's got it all together. "Such a rhythm to your walk...The atmosphere seems different/When you enter the room, time stops." But it is perhaps the free-flowing pasticcio of old-school soul, hip-hop-tinged rhythms, and funky undertones which will find the broadest audience. The influence of Stevie Wonder lightly permeates Walter's phrasing, while producer Hubert Eaves IV's keyboard stylings evoke shades of fusion and neo-soul.

Poetic lyrics are a specialty of Walter's, which are complemented in maturity by refreshing instrumental components such as french horn (on "Feels So Good") and flute ("Falling in Love"). The former finds him relishing in the unadulterated joys of new love, while he delves into the progression of a long-term friendship into romance on the latter. "I'm not sure what just happened/But when I looked in your eyes, it was different this time/Like jewels of passion/They were piercing my soul, I was lost at hello." There's just one moment on Mellisonant in which the words are a bit too Hallmark-esque. On the ballad, "Just Us Two," lyrics such as "Hear the waves of the ocean applaud for us" border on saccharine. That's a brief distraction, however, which doesn't deter from the glorious melody and calming arrangement.

The romantic story lines of Mellisonant—which Walter narrates with gentle seduction—may be targeted primarily toward female listeners. But the natural aplomb with which he relates his feelings and observations will hopefully draw in a variety of fans who appreciate the value of everyday scenarios expressed in cultured musical fashion. Furthermore, the mellow consistency of the material, which incorporates just the right balance of groove and restraint, provides an ideal platform for him to get his message across. Recommended.

by Justin Kantor - Soultracks.com


"Walter Christopher - The Mellisonant Album"

Harlem's Walter Christopher is a proper old fashioned soul singer whose ambition is to make "music that is easy on the ear"... "mellisonant", if you would, and on this, his fifth album I believe, he certainly delivers. There's nothing here that's not easy on the ear but that's not say the album is bland and lifeless. On the contrary, the concise ten tracker demands total attention throughout; it's one of those albums that makes the remote, with its back and forward buttons, redundant. Why? Well, for a kick off all the songs are good 'uns... proper songs like those written by people like Luther Vandross, Will Downing and their ilk... you know, with a beginning, a middle and end; decent lyrics and sweet, catchy melodies. Then there's the players. Walter uses top session men like bassist Hubert Eaves IV and sax man Dave Watson and they know how to garnish those lovely songs. Finally there's Walt's great old school falsetto soul voice. His committed delivery should call to mind people like Howard Hewett and Philip Bailey.

Hear the Bailey connection on the lyric-less title cut that tops and tails the LP... shades of classic EWF slow jams. There's a touch of Phil too, on the lovely 'Feels So Good'. Go to 'Just Us Two' to hear the Howard Hewett flavours. This one's a superb, quiet storm classic... perfect if you want a fresh, un-clichéd Valentines moment. Quite lovely. 'Falling In Love' is another sweet romantic opus... coming in two flavours – an early, orthodox reading and a later heavier treatment.

For the more energetic there's a choppy 'You're The Best'. This features some great sax from Dave Watson (Alicia Keys' sax player of choice, I think). The mid tempo 'You're Beautiful' is tight too. 'Splendor' is another very sedate foot tapper while 'Sexy Cool' is different again. This cut is a loping jazz swinger with a walking bass line like Van Morrison's 'Moondance'. It's possibly the bravest track on the album simply because it would take a brave DJ to play it out... but it's a delight. If you've got soul you'll love the brief jazz guitar interlude and the lovely tinkling vibes. Yep, easy on the old ear... 'Mellisonant' indeed! - SoulandJazzandFunk


"Love Is All You Need"

Affectionately known as “Walt Chris” to his devoted female fanbase, Harlem, New York contemporary soul singer/songwriter Walter Christopher this month releases his third album ‘It’s All About Love Vol. 2’ in the UK. The follow-up to 2000’s ‘It’s All About Love’ and 2006’s ‘Can’t Wait’, Christopher’s new set finds him teaming up with producers Rhemario ‘Rio Beats’ Webber (of US R&B chart-topper Lyfe Jennings fame) and Hubert Eaves IV, to deliver nine love-themed new tracks that combine the old skool sincerity of such soul legends as Al Green and Teddy Pendergrass with the prowess of more contemporary vocalists like Eric Benet and Maxwell.

Indeed, released through New York-based independent AVH Entertainment (run by April Harris, former lead-singer of hitmaking late-Eighties US female dance/pop trio Seduction), the ever-soulful moods on the urban-adult-contemporary-flavoured ‘It’s All About Love Vol. 2’ range from the undulating midtempo groove balladry of ‘There You Go Again’ and the romantically sensual, shuffling US single ‘So Amazing’; to the slow, sexy sway of the appropriately-titled ‘Passion’ and the joyous, infectious punch of the funkier, celebratory closer ‘Oh My’.

All of which accurately showcases the vocal and songwriting talents of an artist whose skills have previously been utilised on several US TV and radio commercials, in addition to opening-up live for a diverse range of iconic artists ranging from LL Cool J and En Vogue to Destiny’s Child, Diahann Carroll and Boyz II Men!

…Cue for a courteous and warm-mannered Mr. Christopher to hook up for the first time with ‘Blues & Soul’ Assistant Editor Pete Lewis. As - speaking from The Bronx - the clear-speaking native New Yorker discusses his aforementioned new LP; his early days of singing in the church choir; plus his ever-growing career as both a live performer and recording artist.

PETE: Your new album has been described as the having the occasional Eighties influence of acts like Surface and Atlantic Starr. What did you want to achieve musically?

WALTER: “Well, musically I definitely wanted to do something that wasn’t TRENDY! Like when you go back to the time of groups like Surface and Atlantic Starr, if you hear that stuff on the radio or on the internet now, it still sounds fresh and it still sounds GOOD!... And so I too want to be that type of ARTIST! In that, no matter whether you play me now, or five years from now, or 10 years from now, you still get that feeling of NEWNESS. Where you can be like ‘I remember when that record came OUT! It made me feel good then, and it makes me feel good NOW!’!... You know, I definitely wanted my album to be a kinda throwback to the times of artists and producers like Stevie Wonder or Marvin Gaye or Babyface - an era when you took you time with the music and it was all about the SONG!”

PETE: Meanwhile, lyrically it’s been hailed as “a collection of feel-good, positive love songs”…

WALTER: “Well, being as the actual music that was presented to me through the producers was ROMANTIC music, I had no CHOICE! My spirit just wanted to emit sounds of romance and love! And it was the same with the songs I created in conjunction with the producers, or that I wrote the lyrics for first! With the state-of-mind that I’m in today, I basically just wanted to come across as ‘the guy that constantly and consistently talks about love’! Because, to coin a phrase, I genuinely do think that what the world needs now is more LOVE! So that’s what I like to WRITE about!”

PETE: Let’s discuss the two producers you collaborated with on ‘It’s All About Love Vol. 2’ - Rhemario ‘Rio Beats’ Webber (of contemporary soul star Lyfe Jennings fame) and Hubert Eaves IV

WALTER: “Rhemario Webber was actually introduced to me through my label, AVH Entertainment. They’d done previous business with him, and thought he and I together would be a good mix, a good vibe. So I went to his studio, started listening to his tracks, started coming up with lyrics on-the-spot… And it was just a good FIT! Because he’s an excellent producer, excellent songwriter, and a highly accomplished keyboard-player. Then Hubert Eaves IV is actually the son of Hubert Eaves III, who played in (Eighties New York soul/disco chart-toppers) D-Train, He plays multiple instruments - drums, bass, keyboards - and, as we’d already been in a band together, I’d go over to his house, listen to songs he’d done... And from there we basically decided ‘You know what? We should WRITE together, because we’re definitely on the same PAGE!’!... And that’s basically how those two collaborations came ABOUT!”

PETE: Though you were born in North Carolina, you were actually raised in Harlem, New York. So can you fill me in on your early background?

WALTER: “Like you said, I was born in North Carolina but, by the time I started attending Grade School, I was already in Harlem! So yeah, I guess all my nurturing and raising was done within the context of good ol’ Harlem, USA! And as a child I guess I just did the kinda things children DO. As a young boy I had an interest in basketball; as I got a little older I took up martial arts; when I got to High School I started doing some gymnastics... And, though at school I never really pursued music, it was nevertheless always something that was in the background. Because my mother had a great collection of vinyl records, and so on Saturdays - when she’d do her cleaning - she’d play Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight & The Pips... And I always loved what I was hearing, not to mention being an avid watcher of ‘Soul Train’! But as I said, though music was always something I could feel calling me, it wasn’t until I started singing first lead in the church choir that it REALLY came out and I was like ‘This is what I wanna DO! I wanna sing PUBLICLY!’!… And so from me singing in church, everything ELSE opened up! I got the opportunity to work with some local bands, we started performing in clubs throughout New York City - and I took to it like a fish in WATER!”

PETE: So can you expand on how all this ultimately led to a full-time career in music?

WALTER: “Some of the musicians playing in the church choir were also playing with the local bands that were doing secular music. So one day they approached me and were like ‘Do you just sing gospel, or do you do SECULAR music?’... And at that point I basically just wanted to do it ALL! So I was like ‘You know what? Just name the time and place, and I’ll BE there!’!… And that’s basically how it started - doing small clubs and private parties; meeting more and more people; networking… To where it eventually got to the point where I was able to pursue music full-TIME.”

PETE: Prior to going solo, you were in a New York band called Love Peace & Soul. How do you recall that experience?

WALTER: “Oh, that experience was great! Because the venues were very intimate - you know, they weren’t stadiums, they were small CLUBS! Which meant you were right there face-to-face with your audience, and so you had to BRING it! And, because sometimes New York audiences can be rough, you had to be constantly on your A-game!... So yeah, working with Love Peace & Soul I learnt how to TURN it on and KEEP it on, how to work the crowd, how to get personal with the audience so that they get into what you’re doing... Because we weren’t actually doing any ORIGINAL material - we were mainly a Top 40 band. And so, when you’re doing someone else’s hits that people are used to hearing sung in a certain way, it means that you have to bring your OWN fire to the table so that they can accept you covering the other person’s SONG!”

PETE: So how did that then lead to you signing as a solo artist to AVH Entertainment?

WALTER: “Well, my first album - ‘It’s All About Love’ - I basically did and put out all by myself, along with some of my friends. So, when AVH came to one of my live gigs and approached me to partner-up with them, I was like ‘I guess this is the natural progression I need to take this thing to the next STEP!’... Because they’re very knowledgeable as far as the business end of things is concerned, plus they were prepared to give me the freedom I need to write and produce in the way that best expresses the way I FEEL. So I was like ‘Yeah, this is a good MATCH! This is gonna WORK!’… You know, we just clicked straightaway - and here we are TODAY!”

PETE: Finally, with you as an artist very much going the independent route, what are your thoughts on the indie-versus-majors debate?

WALTER: “Well, with the majors they’ve already got a good machine in place that they can straightaway put behind you, plus they’ve got like 30/40/60 years experience in the business. Which means they’ve already carved out a niche for themselves, and so having their name behind you will open DOORS for you. But then you also have to remember that, when you’re with a major, you’re there alongside dozens of OTHER artists! So your release-date on your project has to fall in line with what’s going on with the OTHER artists that they’ve signed. Whereas with the indies I find - certainly in the case of the indie I’M with - there’s more freedom, plus I don’t have to wait until so-and-so releases THEIR CD for ME to fall in line. You know, if my project is ready and all the preparation is in place, then we don’t have to wait for ANYONE! It’s like ‘Let’s GO!’!”

The album ‘It’s All About Love Vol. 2’ is out now through AVH Entertainment - BluesandSoul.com


"Listen Out For - 2014"

Walter Christopher is and artist who has made an appearance in the charts at this site before, but never made a showing on these particular pages, As these are set aside of album releases, by and largely. The one off tracks have been sent to me by that nice Steve Ripley and his Soulfood folks, in the past. Now Walter has a completed set of songs, we can get to know this brother a little better, musically. To begin with, Walter must have been reading his dictionary over the last few months! :)) What does ‘Mellisonant’ actually mean? Well in the dictionary here I have ‘pleasing to the ear’, which does seem to make sense on listening to this fine set of songs. ‘Mellisonant’ is a better title to the dictionary definition, so is the music ‘pleasing to the ear’? Very much so. Walter funded this project himself, and this is actually his 5th album release. Working alongside Hubert Eaves IV, the first track that jumped out of player is the very ‘swing’ ‘Sexy Cool’. Quite a brave style to adopt in a market that doesn’t look kindly on those who ‘drift off-track’ musically. This is a very radio friendly tune, so radio jocks take note! ‘You’re Beautiful’ is a track that I was sent last year, and is a song that made me follow this guys career from a distance. If I mention Al B. Sure’s ‘Night & Day’, then you’ll get a good idea of the vibe going on in this song. Multilayered vocally, with several very pleasing key changes, drawing the listener in. The track that is my current favourite is ‘Splendor’, which is tenderly sung and is a five star rated song in this house. I recently watched Gregory Porter in television. In the interview he talked about the singers who looked for instant success on various talent shows, show of which the likes of Walter would never win, as he does not holler the music at the listener, but simply charms the audience. It is these guys that Gregory was concerned about. The great music that deserves a wider audience. Robin McKelle and Walter Christopher deserve that wider audience. Whether the suits out there will give these guys a break is doubtful. I am very grateful that music of this very high standard is being made in 2014. It is a shame it is likely to be immersed in musical broth of daytime radio sewage. Check these albums out. They are both very good indeed. - SoulWalking


"Walter Christopher"

Versatile singer songwriter Walter Christopher has a vocal style that slides effortlessly from R&B to gospel and on to jazz. In mid 2012 this Harlem native released ‘Walt Chris (The Remix)’ that featured some of his hottest singles from recent years and among them was the fabulous ‘You're Beautiful’. This sublime love song is a fine example of the art of Walter Christopher. Check it out and look forward to a smooth jazz version of the track that will be included on Walter's forthcoming CD 'Mellisonant'. - Smooth Jazz Therapy


Discography

It's All About Love - Vol 1. CD (2001)
Can't Wait - CD (2007)
So Amazing (Single) - 2010
It's All About Love - Vol 2. CD (2011)
Walt Chris - The Remix Album EP (2012)
You're Beautiful (Single) (2013)
The Mellisonant Album - CD (2014)

Photos

Bio

Few
performers are as versatile a Singer/Songwriter as Walter Christopher.
Mr. Christopher can slide effortlessly from playing an R&B gig to a
sanctified gospel church to a swinging jazz club. A Harlem native,
Walter is affectionately known by his fans, as "Walt Chris". He is well
respected for his performance skills and trademark vocals. Walter has
opened for Kem, Lyfe Jennings, Leela James, Vivian Green, Oleta Adams,
En Vogue, Fat Joe, Diahann Carroll, Boys II Men, Keith Sweat, Kenny
Lattimore, Allyson Williams, Mikki Howard, Jon Lucien, Marion Meadows,
Donald Harrison, and many others. His amazing talents have taken him on
many tours nationally and internationally. Walt's signature vocals have
also been showcased on several TV and Radio Commercials. He was featured
on the HBO special "Back in Da Hood," where he co-wrote, performed and
produced the song "Yesterday". One listen to Walter Christopher and you
will hear the voice of a legend. He is a Balladeer by choice and sings
and writes with the soul that has been missing in today's music.


Walter
was nominated for SoulTracks Reader Choice Awards Best Male Vocalist
and Chris Rizik, Founder of SoulTracks.com says, "Walt Chris is a new
singer with an old soul. His smooth style could have fit just as well in
80's as it does now, and he has the voice to make it all work just
great." Mecca, Programming Manager for Music Choice said, "Walter
Christopher is True R&B!"  Soul music lovers and aficionados got the
opportunity to experience Walter's live show at several venues
throughout the U.S. including the world renown Blues Alley in Washington
DC and the Blue Note in NYC, the acoustically phenomenal New Jersey
Performing Arts Center, NY's Live at Best Buy Stage and the legendary
Frank's Lounge in Brooklyn, NY.


Walt
Chris has also released 3 CDs, "It's All About Love - Vol. 1," "Can't
Wait" and "It's All About Love  Vol. 2."  In the Fall of 2012 he
released a remix CD entitled, "Walt Chris - The Remix." Walter has
worked with producers Rhemario "Rio Beats" Webber of Lyfe Jennings fame
and Hubert Eaves IV.  The first single, "Amazing," from Vol.2, was well
received by Urban Adult Contemporary Radio at WHUR (Wash. DC), KJLH (Los
Angeles, CA), KOKY (Little Rock AR), KMEZ (New Orleans), KQXL (Baton
Rouge, LA), WNOV (Milwaukee, WI), WAKB (Augusta, GA), KRMP (Oklahoma
City, OK), WYBC (New Haven, CT), WWMG (Montgomery, AL), WMPZ
(Chattanooga, TN), WLXC (Columbia, SC), WBTF (Lexington, KY) and WNSB
(Norfolk, VA). The 2nd single from the CD, "There You Go Again" was
played in high rotation on soul radio in the UK. Walter's music is also
being featured and/or played on SoulMusic.com, SoulTracks.com, Music
Choice, Pandora, Jango, DMX, SpaFax, UK Soul Charts, AccuRadio,
Live365.com, SolarRadio, Danceteria, Northwest and American Airlines
in-flight radio and many more internet and digital stations. All of his
music is currently available on iTunes and Amazon.com (US and UK).  His
current CD "Mellisonant" was released in 2014 and his current single
"You're The Best" is being played on US and International smooth jazz
radio.

Band Members