Gig Review
Little Toby Walker
Saturday, 19 May 2007:
It was with eager anticipation that we welcomed back one of Bluesnights favourite artists. Each time Toby has played at the Dorchester Arts Centre he has got better and better. This night proved no different, with Toby delivering a truly mesmerising performance – one rich in history, with a plethora of different styles and a generous helping of his own compositions. Featuring a number of songs from his latest CD "Just Rolled In", Toby showed just how versatile he is. On "Sundance Rag", the finger picking was simply superb, with effortless flowing lines.
Having bummed his way round the States meeting some of the blues old timers and learning their style of playing, his concerts weave an interesting tapestry of musical heritage and anecdotes and bring it all into the present. One of the characters that he met was Jack Owens of Bentonia, Mississippi. "Hard Times" was one good example of a local-style of playing that he learnt from Jack. We all enjoyed a sing along to "She’s Got Something There". The first set finished with an outright tour-de-force: "Nobody’s Fault But Mine". Stunning and forceful playing, with excellent chops and passionate vocals.
Note: Click thumbnail to view full artist image.
Photo credit: Paul Martin.
... continued
Toby has a wicked sense of humour and the second set had several songs where his witty lyrics raised smiles all around the room - eg: "It Takes All Night", with it's risqué lyrics. And "It Should Have Been Me" had great picking! Another example of a particular style was on Etta Baker’s "One Dime Blues", she of North Carolina, and it was a beautiful instrumental. I asked Toby if "Swing Bean" featured on his list and he duly obliged. A fast pace swinger with a jazzy tinge to it, is was a quite stunning workout. Something out of the ordinary was a blazing harp solo, chronicling a train ride from Memphis to Chicago with all sorts of adventures on the way, all played up to great effect. It has to be seen and heard!
Toby finished the set with a trad arrangement of "I Know You Rider". This was absolutely marvellous. You can’t let Little Toby Walker go without an encore. Sure enough, he obliged with one of his own, a humorous satire on TV evangelism called "God.com"! This brought to an end what had been a fabulous concert. He is the full package – musician, entertainer, and communicator. Little Toby Walker has to be one of the hottest acts on the circuit. This is the real deal and definitely not to be missed!
Review by: Lewis A Harris.
© Bluesnights. The Dorset Blues Society.
19 May 2007.
