Khalif Wailin’ Walter — “Phoenix Risin'” — Timezone Records
I have to admit that I had never heard the music of Khalif Wailin’ Walter until he sent me his latest album a few months ago. And I have to admit I’m glad that he did. It’s filled with fine old blues styles with a few contemporary twists.
This isn’t exactly Khalif’s first rodeo, or even his first album. It is his first since 2018’s “Nothin’ Left To Lose.” He’s been working in Chicago blues since the late ’80s, when, as he puts it:
“Chicago chose me. I was there for only one day and I visited the Kingston Mines and the Wise Fool’s Pub. The music totally blew my mind. Chicago said that’s where I needed to be, and that is and always will be home for me. I quit the travelling rock band the next day, sold everything, and bought a one-way ticket to Chicago. I had no Plan B.”
Khalif has toured with his uncle and mentor, blues veteran Carl Weathersby and played in the band of legendary bluesman Lonnie Brooks. He’s toured worldwide and put in multiple Chicago blues festival appearances. In short, he’s paid his dues. Most likely, more than his share.
Khalif has put all of that hard work, experience and his multi-faceted talents into this bluesy, ballsy collection on “Phoenix Risin’.” He wrote the songs; recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered the album. He plays guitar and bass, and performs all auxiliary percussion. His excellent backers here are pianist Chris Rannenberg, tenor sax players Martin “Tinez” van Toor and Tommy Schneller, with Paul Jobson on organ, and New Orleans session drummer Barry Wintergarden.
Khalif kicks off the session with “Connie-Lee,” a soulfully sung shuffle with an old-school flavor, kicked gently along by horns and some tasty honky-tonk piano, with a stinging guitar solo. It’s one of my favorites from the album. “Please Lie To Me” follows, a spirited plea with sprightly piano. “The Streets” — “a struggle to survive” — is a slow scorcher that leads into punchy title track, an ode to his musical survival.
“I’m Through Cryin’” features a razor-sharp guitar intro to a sturdy blues and vocals that shift into a toughness that matches his fierce guitar work. “Big Bootyed Woman” chugs into view with a updated take on a traditional blues theme, and “I’m Your Love Doctor” shows off some smooth crooning wrapped in eloquent guitar.
“Stone Cold Busted” adds a modern social media theme to a raunchy horn-filled romp with roadhouse piano, and “Chi-Town Sound Check” is a punchy instrumental that winds up and delivers its own wicked conclusion to a stellar session.
Khalif Wailin’ Walter has poured his heart and soul — and many musical talents — into “Phoenix Risin’,” and the result is this sharply done album with its roots firmly in the fertile Chicago blues soil. Give it a listen. You’ll be better off for this soulful musical experience.
A note on the Timezome record label: The link at the top takes you to the label, a German website that will require you to use a translator, unless your Deutsch is excellent.
Here’s a sample of Khalif at work live:
Tracks and credits:
1) Connie-Lee
Khalif: Gtr, Bass, Vocals, Aux Percussion
Chris Rannenberg: Piano
Barry Wintergarden: Drums
Tommy Schneller: Tenor Sax
Jürgen Wieching: Bari Sax
2) Baby, Please Lie To Me
Khalif: Gtr, Bass, Vocals, Aux Percussion
Chris Rannenberg: Piano
Barry Wintergarden: Drums
Tommy Schneller: Tenor Sax
Jürgen Wieching: Bari Sax
3) The Streets
Khalif: Gtr, Bass, Vocals, Aux Percussion
Jacek Prokopowitz: Organ/Piano
Barry Wintergarden: Drums
4) Phoenix Risin’
Khalif: Gtr, Bass, Vocals
Gary Winters: Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Barry Wintergarden: Drums
5) I’m Through Cryin’
Khalif: Gtr, Bass, Vocals, Aux Percussion
Paul Jobson: Organ
Barry Wintergarden: Drums
Tommy Schneller: Tenor Sax
Jürgen Wieching: Bari Sax
6) Big Bootyed Woman
Khalif: Gtr, Bass, Vocals
Gary Winters: Trumpet, Flugelhorn
7) I’m Your Love Doctor *
Khalif: Gtr, Vocals
Marcis Kalnins: Bass
Rolands “Rolx” Saulietis: Drums
Artis Locmelis: Organ
8) Stone Cold Busted
Khalif: Gtr, Bass, Vocals, Aux Percussion
Chris Rannenberg: Piano
Barry Wintergarden: Drums
Martin “Tinez” van Toor: Tenor Sax
Evert Hoedt: Bari Sax
9) Chi-Town Soundcheck
Khalif: Gtr, Bass
Barry Wintergarden: Drums
All songs written, recorded, mixed and mastered by Khalif except
*Recorded by Toms Lisments, Marcis Kalnins, & Khalif
Blues Roadhouse 