7 Walkers self -titled debut album (2010) Review

By: Greg Heffelfinger

7 Walkers

7 Walkers (2010)

The self-titled debut album from the newest collaboration between Bill Kreutzmann and New Orleans legend Papa Mali is the newest twist on an old concept. The band, 7 Walkers, featuring Billy K on drums and Papa Mali on guitar with George Porter Jr. and Matt Hubbard rounding out the group has been playing together for only a short while. They are not shy about touring though and after building up quite a reputation around the country, the album is the first official recorded statement from the band. Listening to the album, you wouldn't think these guys are a new unit. 

The songs paint an aural portrait of the backwoods and bayou country of Louisana, with a touch of that voodoo hand that gives it a haunting, sinister feel. The tunes, some written by Robert Hunter, swing ferociously. Travelling down I-10, if you stopped at any old country store, not a single tune would sound out of place. This album manages to cast a spell through the room by touching on old country, Delta blues, N'awlins jazz tradition, and classic American rock. Kreutzmann's strong timekeeping is the most solid part of the album. This rock-solid base allows Papa Mali's voice to range and arch through the plaintive lyrics and touch on those cornerstones of Americana. Reminding me of Dylan's Love and Theft, the songs, while never overbearing, slither and snake out of the speakers, only to coil at your feet, not like a serpent but more like an old hound dog, coming in out of the oppressive heat for a few moments of peace. The track, " King Cotton Blues" even has a cameo from Willie Nelson, and never skips a beat. By throwing in an instrumental, the album shifts tempos and moods easily, setting an atmosphere of quiet mastery and genuine affection for the songs. 

I'm not sure that 7 Walkers is gonna break any sales records. However, as a statement from two amazing musicians as a snapshot of what they are doing and feeling, it works admirably. The songs are mixed well and the production is ragged but right. The songs capture a feeling and a mood that is timeless, even if the songs were written yesterday. I'm sure that the following the band is building will come to know these tunes because they are all solid and ready to run. 

The next time you kick back on the porch and crack open a beer to beat the heat and talk with some friends, pop this on and enjoy the sounds of two masters giving a lesson on what is good about having the blues.

7 Walkers CD, released on November 2, 2010. The CD has trifold packaging case and includes insert/liner notes.

Track Listing:
1. WYAT Radio / Cane River Waltz - 0:34
2. Sue from Bogalusa - 3:29
3. King Cotton Blues - 8:34
4. [For the Love of] Mr. Okra - 3:12
5. Chingo! - 7:20
6. Louisiana Rain - 8:07
7. Someday You'll See (Prelude)- 4:03
8. New Orleans Crawl - 5:46
9. Evangeline - 8:25
10. Hey Bo Diddle - 4:54
11. Airline Highway - 1:16
12. Someday You'll See - 3:04
13. 7 Walkers - 5:54

Buy The Album Here