Little Toby Walker
As well as being a raconteur, translator, interpreter and composer, Little
Toby Walker from Long Island , New York, is one of the finest Piedmont and Delta
influenced guitar players alive. His alternating bass style echoes that of
Blind Boy Fuller and Mississippi John Hurt while his lead (which is played
simultaneously) blazes trails hinted at by B.B. King, Albert King and
Freddie King.
Toby's jams/lessons at the feet of Eugene Powell,
RL Burnside,
James Son Thomas and
Jack Owens,
frequently oiled by a coffee mug or two of Bourbon are
the stuff of legends, both in the Delta and at home in blues joints across
America. His opening sessions for luminaries as diverse as John Hammond,
James Cotton, Johnny Winter, John Sebastian, Taj Mahal and Chris Smither set
a high standard for the headliner to live up to! Toby Walker's ancient
National rings with the power that only a soul man can give, and his electric
forays are stirring reminders of the emotional impact that music can make.
His finger breaking performances of Guy Van Duser's transcription of The
Stars And Stripes Forever and Scott Joplin rags are exercises in incredulity
and crowds settle to an awed hush as "the man" goes to work. John Hammond
claimed that Toby is "a real killer with fantastic technique. He just knocks
me out." There is no greater tribute than Eugene Powell's accolade, "Now, you
play them blues real good. I want you to carry them on for me..."
Check out his website, www.littletobywalker.com
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