Little Toby Walker

As well as being a raconteur, translator, interpreter and composer, Little Toby Walker from Long Island , New York, is one of the finest Piedmont and Delta influenced guitar players alive. His alternating bass style echoes that of Blind Boy Fuller and Mississippi John Hurt while his lead (which is played simultaneously) blazes trails hinted at by B.B. King, Albert King and Freddie King.

Toby's jams/lessons at the feet of Eugene Powell, RL Burnside, James Son Thomas and Jack Owens, frequently oiled by a coffee mug or two of Bourbon are the stuff of legends, both in the Delta and at home in blues joints across America. His opening sessions for luminaries as diverse as John Hammond, James Cotton, Johnny Winter, John Sebastian, Taj Mahal and Chris Smither set a high standard for the headliner to live up to! Toby Walker's ancient National rings with the power that only a soul man can give, and his electric forays are stirring reminders of the emotional impact that music can make. His finger breaking performances of Guy Van Duser's transcription of The Stars And Stripes Forever and Scott Joplin rags are exercises in incredulity and crowds settle to an awed hush as "the man" goes to work. John Hammond claimed that Toby is "a real killer with fantastic technique. He just knocks me out." There is no greater tribute than Eugene Powell's accolade, "Now, you play them blues real good. I want you to carry them on for me..."

Check out his website, www.littletobywalker.com