Walter "Wolfman" Washington - Doin' The Funky Thing (2008)

Artist: Walter ''Wolfman'' Washington
Title Of Album: Doin' The Funky Thing
Year Of Release: 2008
Label: Zoho Music
Genre: Blues

Notes:
Although usually classified as a blues musician, Walter "Wolfman" Washington draws inspiration equally from funk, soul, R&B, and the rootsy sounds of his native New Orleans. DOIN' THE FUNKY THING (2008), Washington's first studio album in 10 years, does not advertise falsely. Each of the disc's 10 tracks pulses with hip-shaking energy, thanks not only to Washington's gravelly, down-home vocals and tasteful guitar licks, but to the hot horn arrangements and gospel-flavored back-up vocals that give this set its muscle. Packed with solid grooves and outstanding performances, DOIN' THE FUNKY THING drips with the kind of soul only a veteran like the Wolfman can manage.


Tracklist:

1. Shake Your Booty/Funky Thing Part 1
2. I'm Back
3. Tweakin'
4. One Day From Being a Fool
5. Crescent City Starlights
6. Just Like That
7. Only You
8. Wolf Jazz
9. Landslide
10. Shake Your Booty/Funky Thing Part II

Walter "Wolfman" Washington - Funk Is In House (1998)

Artist: Walter ''Wolfman'' Washington
Title Of Album: Funk Is In House
Year Of Release: 1998
Label: Bullseye Blues
Genre: Blues

Notes:
Walter "Wolfman" Washington, who has an expressive and enthusiastic if not overly memorable voice, is virtually the entire show during this set which mixes together New Orleans funk and 60s soul with aspects of the blues. Although there are pieces by Jerry Butler, Ray Charles and Gamble and Huff, most of the selections are Washington originals. Wolfman's backup group the Roadmasters (a rhythm section with keyboardist Luca Fredericksen plus three guest horn players) is fine in support but fairly anonymous. So this set is primarily recommended to listeners who enjoy Washington's voice and the 60s-soul style in general. ~ Scott Yanow


Tracklist:

1. Trials And Tribulations
2. Funkyard
3. I Stand Accused
4. Mary Ann
5. Please Come Back To Me
6. Wolf Funk
7. When The Answer Is Clear
8. Close The Door
9. The Big Easy
10. I'm In Love
11. Funk Is In The House
12. Cousin Joe

Walter "Wolfman" Washington - Blue Moon Risin' (1995)

Artist: Walter ''Wolfman'' Washington
Title Of Album: Blue Moon Risin'
Year Of Release: 1995
Label: Go Jazz Records
Genre: Blues

Notes:


Tracklist:

1. Stop & Think
2. Glasshouse
3. You're Fine
4. Blues Has Got To Go
5. I Had A Dream
6. Fever
7. Blue Moon Risin'
8. Use Me
9. Can't Stop Loving You
10. Cadillac Woman
11. He Will See Us Thru
12. Drown

Walter "Wolfman" Washington - Wolf At The Door (1991)

Artist: Walter "Wolfman" Washington
Title Of Album: Wolf At The Door
Year Of Release: 1991
Label: Rounder Select
Genre: Blues

Notes:
Most of this CD from Walter "Wolfman" Washington puts the focus on his voice, which is reminiscent of a young Ray Charles. The horn arrangements look back toward 1960s Motown, and five of the six tracks fall squarely into the idiom of pre-disco R&B, with touches of funk and gospel. "Peepin'" is a bit of a surprise, a minor-toned instrumental with Tom Fitzpatrick's soprano in the lead and some nice George Benson-ish guitar by Washignton. Even better are the last three tracks: the joyful blues "Tailspin," a minor blues ("At Night In the City"), and a bluesy ballad ("Don't Say Goodbye"). Wolfman Washington's versatility is quite impressive, making this a fairly memorable recording. ~ by Scott Yanow


Tracklist:

1. Hello Stranger
2. Is It Something You've Got/I Had It All The Time
3. I Want To Know
4. Peepin'
5. It Doesn't Really Matter
6. Heatin' It Up
7. Tailspin
8. At Night In The City
9. Don't Say Goodbye

Walter "Wolfman" Washington - Out Of The Dark (1988)

Artist: Walter ''Wolfman'' Washington
Title Of Album: Out Of The Dark
Year Of Release: 1988
Label: Rounder Select
Genre: Blues

Notes:
Walter "Wolfman" Washington's second Rounder session mixed Crescent City R&B and jazz licks with contemporary and vintage songs and production. Washington's cover of "Ain't That Loving You," while not quite as dramatic as Bobby "Blue" Bland's, was still outstanding, while he was appropriately ironic and bemused on "You Can Stay but the Noise Must Go" and vividly soulful on "Save Your Love for Me" and "Steal Away." Only on "Feel So Bad," a questionable song at best, did he sound strained and unfocused. Washington's guitar playing was sharp, creative, and tasty without being self-indulgent. It wasn't the kind of glossy, trendy work that garners the pop spotlight, but Washington showed progress and fine skills. ~ Ron Wynn


Tracklist:

1. You Can Stay But The Noise Must Go
2. On The Prowl
3. Steal Away
4. Out Of The Dark
5. Ain't That Loving You
6. Feel So Bad
7. Nobody's Fault But Mine
8. Save Your Love For Me