Joe Louis Walker, Bruce Katz & Giles Robson

Journeys To The Heart Of The Blues Alligator Records

Acoustic blues with a big heart Sometimes there’s nothing better than putting on an acoustic blues album and chilling with a glass of single malt. If that scenario resonates with you, then this is a particularly cracking album to enjoy the experience with: Joe Louis Walker sings and six-strings, Bruce Katz tinkles the ivories and UK harmonica ace Giles Robson wails with considerable skill. The 12 tracks here are stripped-down rare and classic blues songs, along with two new instrumentals, G&J Boogie and Chicago

Breakdown. Joe Louis Walker has a very appealing style; his voice is warm and dynamic with plenty of bluesy inflections that draw the listener in with an acoustic guitar style that is well articulated when riffing or soloing. Toe tappin’! [JS] Standout track: Mean Old Train For fans of: Otis Rush, Albert Collins