David T. Walker - David T. Walker (2010)

The same subtlety and generosity that made David T. Walker such a superb session guitarist proved his Achilles' heel as a leader -- even with his name out front, he refuses to dominate the spotlight, and as a result his solo efforts never quite catch fire. Walker's self-titled Ode debut is no exception: a supremely tasteful and nuanced collection of soul-jazz instrumentals featuring a stellar supporting cast including keyboardist Billy Preston and drummer Paul Humphrey, it's impeccably played and frequently beautiful, but at times unnervingly bloodless, as if technique alone is enough for transcendence. Walker is far too deferential to his colleagues and vice-versa, and with no one in full command, familiar melodies like "What's Goin' On" and "Never Can Say Goodbye" go nowhere fast -- a frustrating listen, to say the least.