In the midst of recording his 12th album, wavering in his resolve to finish what he'd started, Seth Walker came to a realization: "This work does not define me. This is not who I am forever. This is just a moment." No album is trapped in amber, no song is set in stone. Distance colors compositions over the years and each album is left as a reflection of its own period in time. This idea played a big part in shaping Why The Worry released today on Royal Potato Family.
Now, the other half of knowing is letting go; letting go of the worry about perception, the worry of over-preparation, and the worry that seeps in constantly from the news and noise of everyday life. Taking a page from Willie Nelson, Walker embraced the songwriter's sage wisdom, "I've never seen worry accomplish anything, so I decided not to do it." Truth be told, there aren't many better oracles to hang an ethos on than brother Willie.
Why The Worry finds Walker reunited with old friends and familiar names. Once again Jano Rix returns behind the boards, co-producing the album with Walker and engineer Brook Sutton. Frequent collaborator Oliver Wood (The Wood Brothers) lends a pen to the title track and Ed Jurdi (Band Of Heathens) does the same on "Midway Girl." Walker's classically trained father Scott Walker adds strings. Mostly, though, the record was shepherded into shape by Walker's trio and longtime confidants Rhees Williams (Guitar, Piano) and Mark Raudabaugh (Drums). The three let the studio guide them, entering without agenda, set straight by the title's mantra to stop worrying where they'd end up.
But worry always tries to creep in. It's inevitable, isn't it? The album was just about finished when Hurricane Helene hit Walker's home in the mountains just outside of Asheville, and as a result, the record almost didn't see light. As catastrophe took shape and literal bridges were broken, the album's importance wavered in Walker's mind until the central theme came back into view. The worry wouldn't undo any damage, and there was still service in song. Why The Worry is a spiritual reset, watching the sunrise over the mountains. It soaks in like warmth on the skin after a night of shivering in the dark.
Alongside five Walker originals on the 11-track collection is a carefully curated crop of covers that rifle through the past and present. Setting the course are two gems from J.J. Cale, whose sanguine saunter leans well into the album's themes of amble and ease. Walker opens the record with the smoke ring sway of Bill Withers, turning the lights low for a gently funked rendition of "The Same Love That Made Me Laugh." The groove grows deeper on Al Green's "Take Me To The River," putting a distinctly reclined feel on the soul classic and the redemptive gospel-tinged plea of "I'm Getting Ready," a song penned by Walker’s contemporary Michael Kiwanuka. Finally, there's a telling nod in the album closing with Bobby Charles’ seminal ode "I Must Be In a Good Place Now."
Why The Worry follows a string of high water marks for Walker. He co-wrote "Moon & Stars," the title track to The Mavericks new album, sung as a duet with Sierra Ferrell, and played shows across North America with artists like The Mavericks, Marc Broussard, Raul Malo, and Steep Canyon Rangers among others. Walker kicks off his own U.S. tour tonight in San Francisco that stretches across 32 cities with more dates to be announced shortly.
Seth Walker - Why The Worry is out now on Limited Edition 180-Gram Orange Optimism Vinyl, 180-Gram Black Vinyl, CD and Digital Formats.
SETH WALKER
Tour Dates
4/4 - San Francisco, CA - Hotel Utah
4/5 - Sacramento, CA - The Side Door
4/6 - Petaluma, CA - Polly Klass Community Center
4/10-13 - Napa, CA - Songwriters In Paradise
4/16 - Eugene, OR - Tsunami Books
4/17 - Bend, OR - The Annex
4/18 - Portland, OR - Jack London Revue
4/19 - Olympia, WA - Traditions Fair Trade
4/22 - Seattle, WA - The Tractor Tavern
4/26 - Jasper, IN - Astra Theatre *
4/27 - Bloomington, IL - Castle Theatre *
4/28 - Milwaukee, WI - Shank Hall *
4/29 - Evanston, IL - Evanston Space *
4/30 - Stoughton, WI - Stoughton Opera House **
5/1 - Green Bay, WI - Meyer Theatre *
5/3 - Denver, CO - Swallow Hill
5/4 - Boulder, CO - Chautauqua Community House
5/23 - Charlotte, NC - The Evening Muse ^
5/29 - New York, NY - Cafe Wha?
5/30 - Northampton, MA - The Parlor Room
5/31 - Norwood, MA - Fallout Shelter
6/1 - Arkville, NY - The Ark Bowling & BBQ
6/3 - Exton, PA - Eagleview Concerts On The Square
6/4 - Vienna, VA - Jammin' Java
6/5 - Kennett Square, PA - Kennett Flash
6/6 - Doylestown, PA - The Barn
6/7 - Lancaster, PA - West Art
6/20 - Asheville, NC - The Grey Eagle
6/21 - Durham, NC - Blue Note Bar & Grill
6/22 - Greensboro, NC - The Crown @ The Carolina Theatre
8/21 - Rising Fawn, GA - McLemore Songwriter Series
8/22 - Decatur, GA - Eddie’s Attic
* w/ Oliver Wood
** w/ Oliver Wood + Dave & Dave (of Trampled by Turtles)
^ w/ Ed Jurdi
