Jimmy Walker - Small Town Baby (2015)

Pianist Jimmy Walker, associated with the blues scene in Chicago, should not be confused with James "Jim Daddy" Walker, linked likewise to the blues scene in Kansas City. The former was actually born a few years earlier than the latter, 1905 rather than maybe 1912, and also outstrips in a variety of fame markers such as having an actual agreed-upon date of birth as well as several releases under his own name.

The latter would be where the real interest would lie for blues fans used to the vigor and spark of the Chicago scene. Several complete sessions have been released in which this artist held forth in great freedom, playing as a soloist or with drum accompaniment that approaches perfection. Walker uses the recording medium to express his desires, "Getting Out of Town" in a shuffle of a hurry, inquiring like a lot of other people as to "Where's the Money," rotting away in a "Small Town," and even urging the typical blues couch potato to "Come on, Get Your Morning Exercise." The excellent Testament label was the first to track Walker with the superb 1964 album entitled Rough and Ready. ~by Eugene Chadbourne