By Danny Coleman
originally published: 07/20/2017
"My mother and father got me into the blues, that's my point of reference," said Joe Louis Walker as he explained the roller coaster ride of popularity or lack thereof associated with blues music. "Everybody's is different but we've all been exposed to them at some point. People think Stevie Ray Vaughn and relate to his version of, "Mary Had A Little Lamb" but people don't know that Buddy Guy did it first. People don't understand that it all came from a funkier place but that's their point of reference."
A decorated guitarist, songwriter and a multi-award winning performer, Walker has seen and lived the struggles so prevalent in the very lyrics of the blues, yet has no regrets. When he speaks, he is forthright and refreshingly honest about blues music, race, the genre itself and more.
"I call'em Facebook musicians," he started with a hint of sarcasm. "They say that they're musicians but in reality they are a watered down version. All blues musicians paid their dues, some of us more than others. We've never been mainstream but yet we keep returning there. Again, it's point of reference. Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton all caught the interest of white kids by playing the blues. Heck, I sat in a room with Stevie Ray showing him how I played certain things; you think anyone knows that? The blues keeps influencing new generations yet I'm not sure that everyone knows how we got there. Thank goodness for Elvis because he exposed the blues to a whole new generation of kids at a time when things were a lot different in America, Pat Boone too. You wonder what was it like playing Beijing China or in Israel? We've done so and blues musicians have been doing that for years. Hell, Howlin' Wolf played behind the Iron Curtain when relationships weren't good. Guys like Albert King, BB King and Chuck Berry could play the same seven notes here in the U.S., in Rome, anywhere in Europe and get the same response because it's an appreciation for the blues. Today's music and musicians are appreciating the blues in essence without the blues, it all tends to come full circle."
A recent trip to San Paolo, Brazil yielded large crowds and another invite back. The band will be heading over to Europe, then Canada and back to the U.S. as well, allowing this Blues Hall of Fame inductee to bring his great brand of blues, funk, gospel to the world once again. "We had a great time in Brazil and being asked back is always positive. I was home for several days then we're headed to Poland, Canada, Duluth, MN, we've got some east coast dates and BB King's in New York City towards the end of July."
One of those east coast dates is July 21 in Sellersville, PA at the Sellersville Theater. Opening for Walker will be Chicago Blues-man Toronzo Cannon. Then it's off to the "Roadhouse Bluesfest" in Magnolia, DE on July 22 and to the aforementioned July 26 gig with Dylan Doyle and "Special Guests" at BB King's Blues Club & Grill in Manhattan, NYC.
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Walker works with multiple charitable organizations but perhaps his most notable is the work he does with, "The Blues Foundation" and their many branches which help people and blues musicians themselves. "I'm always doing benefit shows for them. They do good things for a lot of people. I have one on September 6 at BB King's that Jimmy Vivino puts together, they're always a good time." Joining Walker on that bill will be, William Bell, Shemekia Copeland, John Sebastian, Ruthie Foster, Eric Krasno, Bill Sims, Bob Margolin, Scott Sharrard, Marcus King, Tash Neal, King Solomon Hicks, Danny Clinch and Chris Scianni.
Never liking to sit idol, the San Francisco born Walker is always working as is evident by his nomination for "2017 Most Outstanding Musician (Guitar) Award" from "Living Blues Magazine;" an award that he captured in 2015. Along with the nomination he has begun work on yet another new album with an eye toward a late 2017 or early 2018 release. "Yeah, I'm going to start cutting a new one in September or October. I've got the songs written so now it's just a matter of putting things together and getting the players that I want based on everyone's schedules; its been about two years since my last one and I usually don't go that long."
Past "Players" on Walker releases have included Branford Marsalis, Tower Of Power, Bonnie Raitt and blues legends such as Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal and the recently passed away James Cotton.
No matter who he performs with or for, Walker earns respect and admiration as he is a true ambassador of the blues. Recently, someone redefined the term "Professional" to include, "One who continues to maintain a high level of dedication to their craft no matter what the outcome." Joe Louis Walker is a true professional in every sense of the word no matter what the meaning because no matter where the blues have taken him, be it the good, the bad and possibly even the ugly over a decades long career; he has prevailed and at a high level.
To discover more about Joe Louis Walker, please go to www.joelouiswalker.com.
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
This week's event listings
Backstage at Championship Bar931 Chambers Street Trenton
Fri. 6 p.m. Restless Streets, Late Nights, (TBA). All ages, $10
Sat. 7 p.m. 609, Tarby, Dead City Crown, Last Legion, Juerga. All ages, $10
Bill's Olde Tavern02694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Thurs. 9 p.m. Trivia
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke Contest (Cash prizes)
Ages 21+
Blend Bar & Bistro911 Highway 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Jam
Bowman's Tavern1600 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Neil Podgurski Trio
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Larry Tamanini Trio
Sun. (12 p.m.) Brunch With Ottmar (6 p.m.) John Korba
Mon. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott
Tues. 6 p.m. The Fermenters Trio
Wed. 6 p.m. Lorenzo
Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room19 E. Union Street Burlington
(609) 733-3562
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Shorty Rock
Sat. 9 p.m. Kid Felix
Sun. 5 p.m. Jakki Roberts
Candlelight Lounge 24 Passaic Street Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. Lynn Riley. $10 (cover charge/$10 Minimum includes buffet)
Tues. 6 p.m. "Tuesday Jazz Jam" Open Session feat. James Stewart / Tom Littwin Trios. $5 (Lite appetizers)
Chickie's & Pete's183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia
City Streets 510 Highway 130 South East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Mon. 9 p.m. "Malibu Mondays" w/ DJ Brett Gash
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia w/ Jessie and Chelsea
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Wine Down Wednesdays" w/ Rich Genoval
COARadio.com Main Street Hightstown
(609) 241-7103
Please check web page for upcoming schedule
Dadz Bar & Grill744 Main Street Lumberton
(609) 267-4344
Thurs. 10 p.m. "Pong Tournament"
Fri. (6 p.m.) Al Snyder (10 p.m.) Old School
Sat. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Byrd
Sun. 4 p.m. Red Reynolds
Tues. 9 p.m. Rick Winow
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Superstar Entertainment
Dempster's Pub437 Pine Street Mount Holly
(609) 261-0500
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. DJ DNIAL
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Chris
Dog & Bull Brew House810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Will Paquette
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Happy Hour Jam" feat. Cecil & Ray (9 p.m.) Jeff Zambino
Sat. (11 a.m.)"Saturday Brunch" feat. Michael Leggerie (9 p.m.) Carl Gandalf
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Keli Vale Jazz (4 p.m.) Jay Regan
Wed. 8 p.m. Sister Blue
Freddies Tavern12 Railroad Avenue Ewing
(609) 882-0978
Fri. 8 p.m. (TBA)
Sat. 8 p.m. Paul Plumeri Blues Band
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Joe Vadala
Gazebo Park 19 West Broad Street Hopewell
Fri. 7 p.m. The Suburban Relics
Grover's Mill Coffee HousePrinceton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction
(609) 716-8771
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Anker
Halo Pub (Fete) 5 Hulfish Street Princeton
(609) 921-1710
Sat. 6 p.m. John & Maggs
Havana New Hope105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 8 p.m. Castle Lane
Fri. (8 p.m.) "The STING Tribute Show" Doors at 6 p.m., $25 (11 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (8:30 p.m.) 52 Pick-Up (12 a.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sun. (3 p.m.) Ladies 2000 (9 p.m.) Kimberley Dahme. Doors at 8 p.m., $20
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. "Local Original Music Series" Hosted by Pat Foran
Hopewell Valley Bistro & Inn15 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 466-9889
Fri. 8 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Hopewell Valley Vineyards46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. "Music & Merlot" Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner feat. Victor Tarassov. $19.95 (adults) $8.95 (children under age 10)
Fri. 6 p.m. Craig Leach Group
Sat. 6 p.m. James Popik & Friends
Sun. 2 p.m."Jazzy Sundays" feat. (TBA)
Iron Plow Vineyards26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6 p.m. Tom Chiola w/ George Sinkler
Sat. 2 p.m. Ed Wilson
Sun. 1 p.m. John & Maggs
Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 9 p.m. Generals Krank
Sat. 9 p.m. Honey Spot Blvd.
All shows 21+
John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Jonah Lloyd
Fri. 9 p.m. Keith Kenny
Sat. (3 p.m.) Jason Ager (9 p.m.) Rain Makers
Sun. (3 p.m.) Run To Sandy (9 p.m.) Lily Vakilli Band
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic.
Tues. 9 p.m. Dance Party
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
Killarney's Publick House1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. 5 p.m. Dave Murray
Sat. (3 p.m.) Classic Car Show (10 p.m.) DJ Jimmy G
Sun. 3 p.m. "Jeep Meet"
Tues. 8 p.m. "Jameson Rings Tournament"
Laurita Winery85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Thurs. 7 p.m. "Laurita Idol" Junior Idol Tryouts
Sat. 1 p.m. Rick Winow
Sun. 1 p.m. Deb & Mike
Wed. 6 p.m. "Girls Night Out" Yoga and Wine
Levitt Amp Trenton Summer Concert SeriesMill Hill Park (Corner of Front & South Broad Streets)
Thurs. 5 p.m. Lawrence / Kyrie London
Mamma Rosa's 572 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 588-5454
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Richard Schneider
McGuinn's Place1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence
(609) 392-0599
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Ages 21+
McStews Irish Sports Pub5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Thurs. 10:30 p.m."Beer Pong" w/ DJ RV & MC Slim
Fri. 10 p.m. "Frisky Fridays" Christmas In July feat. DJ Favs. Ages 21+
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Last Call
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike
Millhill Basement300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase
New Hope Winery6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Check web site for upcoming events
Nook's PourHouse2043 Route 130 South Florence
(609) 447-0927
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Tuesday w/ Quizoholics
Nottingham Tavern9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square
(609) 587-6623
Thurs. 7 p.m.
Wed. 5 p.m. "Weekend Warm-up" w/ DJ Chris Barlow
Ages 21+
Palermo's Of Hamilton310 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21 +
PANJ RadioBridge Street Lambertville
(609) 460-4673
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. Kenny Segall
Pete's Steak House523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. (TBA)
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Papa DeLux
Randy Now's Man Cave134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Check web site for upcoming events
Salt Creek Grille1 Rockingham Row Princeton
(609) 419-4200
Fri. 8 p.m. Paul Plumeri Blues Band
Sat. 8 p.m. Jerry Topinka
Small World Coffee14 Witherspoon Street Princeton
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. SOSI
Sat. 8:30 p.m. The Shacks
1867 Sanctuary 101 Scotch Road Ewing
(609) 392-6409
Thurs. 8 p.m. The Division Men. $20
Fri. 8 p.m. "Theater" feat. Climate cabaret / Sustainable Jazz. $20
Sat. 8 p.m. Emily Barnes. $20
Tara's Tavern 1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 10 p.m. Ernie White Duo
Sat. 10 p.m. Billy Hector
Tavern On The Lake101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. Pretty Baby
Sat. 9 p.m. Boys Round Here
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
Temperance House 5 South State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8050
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic Blues Session w/ Steve Guyger
Fri. 7 p.m. Sheila and Mark
Sat. 7 p.m. Anders Hyatt
Wed. 7 p.m. Live Jazz w/ John Sheridan and BCCC
Terhune Orchards330 Cold Soil Road Princeton
(609) 924-2310
Fri. 5 p.m. "Sips and Sounds Summer Music Series" w/ Mark Miklos
The Cool Cricket216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. Unleashed
The HOB Tavern146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Entertainment
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 8 p.m. Radio Fiction Duo (Mike & Joe)
The Ivy Inn248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Rockin' Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. El Ka Bong
Sat. 10 p.m. (TBA)
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. "Wednesday Wheel Night Spin To Win Karaoke" w/ DJ Rockn Ron
The Pines Tavern6217 North Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA
(215) 788-1659
Sat. 9 p.m. (TBA)
Sun. 3 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Bill Monach Jr.
The Raven 385 West Bridge Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2081
Thurs. 5 p.m. Russell Eiffert.
Fri. (9 p.m.) Michael Ferreri (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (9 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Wed. 6 p.m. Dena Underwood
The Record Collector358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Check web site for upcoming events
The Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Fri. 9 p.m. Jersey Shorecats Trio
Sat. 9 p.m. Bob Solo
The Sticky Wicket 2465 South Broad Street Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Throwback Thursday" w/ DJ Chillio
Fri. 9 p.m. Alright Alright
Sat. 9 p.m. Branded Ink Society
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke
The Sun National Bank Center 81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check website for upcoming events
Tir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. ZQ Acoustic
Sat. 9 p.m. The Williamsboy
All shows 21+
Trenton Buzz702 Pine Street Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic.
Trenton Social449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 8 p.m. "Audio History of Funk and Soul" w/ Professor DJ Tangency
Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Benny
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Fri. 10 p.m. Jerry Feiss. $5 (cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Kirby & The Vibe Tribe. $5 (cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Stage Night (Sign ups at 6:30 p.m.)
Tues. 9 p.m. Live Band Karaoke
All shows 21+
Triumph Brewing Company (Princeton, NJ Location)
138 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 924-7855
Fri. 10 p.m. Rob Duncan
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn2572 Pennington Road Pennington
(609) 773-2392
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock
Mon. 9 p.m. "Moonshine Mondays" Trivia
Ages 21+
Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled “Rock On Radio” airing Sunday evenings at 7:000pm EST on multiple internet radio outlets where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.
