Today, Seth Walker shares his rendition of Al Green’s classic “Take Me To The River.” It’s the latest in a series of singles by the Asheville, NC-based singer/songwriter that pay tribute to his musical influences. Previous releases include Bobby Charles' “I Must Be In A Good Place Now” and Van Morrison’s “Warm Love.” The cover art features a painting by the multi-dimensional artist who also counts published author among his credits via his 2021 memoir, Your Van Is On Fire.
Where Al Green’s original version mixes the earthly and sacred in a rousing Southern soul, gospel rave-up, Walker reimagines the song as minimalist, low-down, country funk. A sinuous guitar run at the minute forty mark showcases Walker’s inimitable style on his instrument and begs the question as to why he remains among the most underrated guitarists in the Americana and blues worlds.
"We recorded this live in one room at The Studio Nashville with my longtime bassist Rhees Williams, and drummer Mark Raudabaugh. I love the organic vibe of a band going for that magic take," says Walker. "I played my friend Oliver Wood's old rubber bridged Kay guitar that gives it a unique, punchy and lo-fi sound. It brought a new side out in my playing. Perhaps channeling some West African blues, Lightning Hopkins and, of course, the ever-present J.J. Cale."
Walker and his band perform this weekend at the Suwannee Spring Reunion and Safety Harbor Art and Music Center in Florida. He then joins The Mavericks’ frontman Raul Malo for seven shows in the Northeast and Midwest before heading out to Colorado for five shows with Canadian bluesman Ray Bonneville. Walker is currently working on the follow up to his 2022 studio album, I Hope I Know.
SETH WALKER
Tour Dates
3/22-23 - Live Oak, FL - Suwannee Springfest
3/24 - Safety Harbor, FL - Safety Harbor Art & Music Center
3/26 - Montgomery, NY - City Winery ^
3/27 - Newton, NJ - Newton Theatre ^
3/28 - Sellersville, PA - Sellersville Theater ^
3/30 - Alexandria, VA - Birchmere ^
4/3 - Cleveland, OH - Music Box Supper Club ^
4/4 - Cincinnati, OH - Ludlow Garage ^
4/6 - Ann Arbor, MI - The Ark ^
4/13 - Birmingham, AL - Private
4/14 - Birmingham, AL - Private
4/17 - Ridgway, CO - The Sherbino *
4/18 - Leadville, CO - The Old Church *
4/19 - Denver, CO - Swallow Hill Music *
4/20 - Pueblo, CO - Brues Alehouse *
4/21 - Alamosa, CO - Society Hall *
^ w/ Raul Malo
* w/ Ray Bonneville
