Alan Walker a little too late
The songs that occupy this set are well-written & performed. That is if you like pop-smart uniformly tight pieces somewhat in a Paul McCartney-like manner from his Wings days, or the late Andrew Gold (“Lonely Boy”), Songwriters who had a clever, simplistic approach to their slick showcases.
There are stylistic limitations, but the overall Alan Walker performances are decorative & appeasing. His tone is pensive with a well-established pop flow (Eric Carman rather than Nick Drake, more Billy Joel than Elton John). While some would suggest the influence of Jackson Browne a little too late (Drops June 28/Aunt Mimi’s Records/33:19) have 9 songs that don’t read with a surplus of lyrics like a Browne song or with his intricate themes.
Even Bruce Hornsby with his more rural piano gusto is absent here. But the piano-driven songs of Mr. Walker do have a high degree of creativity that runs through his fingers. It’s not country, or the blues, show tune-inspired or wholly rock. Its melodic allure is singer-songwriter ripe like Carole King but not Laura Nyro, Ellie Greenwich but not Diane Warren. It’s sure-fingered throughout but seldom shows any teeth. That’s alright, that’s not always necessary.
The majority of songs are carefully arranged & laid out with sensibility. It’s ambitious. It falls short of adult contemporary music but it’s not easy listening (MOR). That may be Walker’s secret – his unfailing melodies. The musical seams don’t show. With the Beatles-lite populist appeal of a song like “Town Called Misery,” it has spirit is creative & will easily find a path to one’s ear.
More McCartney than most piano-playing artists “Only Son” is one of Alan’s best. I cannot allude to any songs inspired by Joe Jackson since Alan doesn’t have his new wave/punk fuel or Joe’s late career jazzier elements or distinctive voice. Walker is indulgent & talented with good variety in his themes. Though there’s no grit, growl, or drama he has soulful twists (“Wait”).
“A Little Too Late” is superb. It also has Beatles values but more of the late Emit Rhodes (“With My Face On the Floor”). “Somewhere Down the Line” is close to George Harrison’s “Piggies” melodically for my taste. So what? Alan is in his element.
There’s little here to change the course of popular music. But the songs will chase away your blues better than any medication.
Highlights – “Mama Kat,” “Town Called Misery,” “Only Son,” “Wait,” “A Little Too Late” & “Better Man” (nice saxes).
Musicians – Alan Walker (vocal/bgv/piano/Wurlitzer electric piano), John Morgan Kimock (drums), Jon Herington (guitar), Lincoln Schleifer (bass/percussion/acoustic guitar/bgv/horn & string arrangements), Rob Schwimmer (Hammond B3/synths/claviola/Taisho harp/Wurlitzer electric piano/kitchen sink), Larry Campbell (acoustic & pedal steel guitar), Andy Burton (Fender Rhodes), Gary Sieger (guitar), Teresa Williams & Lucy Kaplansky (bgv), Bill Holloman (tenor sax/flugelhorn), Larry Etkin (trumpet/flugelhorn), Myron Lutzke & Jake Charkey (cellos).
Color image courtesy of Phil Nelson. Produced by Lincoln Schleifer. CD @ Amazon + https://alanwalkermusic.net/home
