Walking Heart Attack
Catfood, 2023
8/10
Listen to Walking Heart Attack
The blues legend Johnny Rawls brings his inimitable vocals and guitar playing to these 10 new tracks that welcomes plenty of players to the animated and soulful climate.
“Walking Heart Attack” opens the listen with Rawls’ warm voice alongside Richy Puga’s frisky drums and bright sax from Andy Roman and Nick Flood, and “Trying To Live My Life Without You” follows with Dan Ferguson’s lively keys and soothing backing vocals from Janelle Thompson and Shakara Weston that complement Rawls’ expressive pipes.
In the middle spot, the gospel tinted “Born All Over” use Mike Middleton’s trumpet amid much emotion, while the lively “Heal Me” benefits much from Bob Trenchard’s well timed bass that illuminates the alluring grooves.
Later on, the band turn in a very well done version of Springsteen’s “Hungry Heart”, which comes with plenty of melodies and exceptional backing vocals, and “Mississippi Dreams” exits with a brass spirited and cozy demeanor of agile blues that will always be in style.
Now in his 70s, Rawls’ professional career as a musician began at the age of 15, and all these decades later he’s still making relevant and timeless music that anyone with an ear for the blues will enjoy.
Travels well with: Popa Chubby And The Beast Band- Live At G. Bluey’s Juke Joint NYC; Ole Lonesome- Tejas Motel