Even if you've never met
Chris Walker, there's a decent chance you have
felt him. And I don't mean that crudely. Chris has been a go-to bass player in town for years now, providing the bottom end for a ridiculous amount of bands, so if you go out to hear live music, you might well have been moved by Chris' sublime bass rumble. The differences in the artists he has performed with are a testament to Chris' elastic versatility and, even more so, to his musical abilities. From Rock and Punk groups in high school to Heavy Weather (the popular local group he founded with his sister, Carole) to The Walker Project (also founded with Carole) to his vital supporting roles in bands as different as Hip Hop/Jazz fusionists IsWhat?!, Roots rockers Big Whiskey, Pop/Rock group The Whitney Barricklow Band, bluesers Conrail Saints, R&B band the Derrick Sanders Soul Expression, Jazz Fusion crew The Naked Redheads ... you get the picture. Chris' reputation for being able to play
anything really well is only preceded by the seemingly universal assessment that he's a genuinely warm, caring, lovely soul, devoid of pretentiousness and completely down to earth.
When Chris was seriously injured in a car accident near Indianapolis on Sept. 14 -- an accident that tragically claimed the life of his travel partner, Julie Martin, who worked at the local YWCA Battered Women's Shelter -- the immediate, stunning shock was followed quickly by action, as fellow artists (whether they knew him or not) lined up to not only offer condolences but also help. Logically, a number of benefit concerts have popped up. This almost familial jump-to-action instinct, a desire to protect and assist peers without thinking twice is what makes it a genuine music "community."
"Friends for Chris Walker" on MySpace (myspace.com/friendsforchriswalker) is the hub for information on benefit shows and how to donate money directly to the fund, which helps Chris as he is unable to work. Carole Walker has also been providing updates on Chris' health at the site. The latest news is that Chris -- who suffered serious spinal injuries -- is back in Cincinnati after more than three weeks in an Indy hospital; he's stable and has begun recovery. Cards can be sent to Christopher Walker, c/o Drake Center, 151 West Galbraith Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45216-1096. Donations can be made at any US Bank branch under the name "Friends for Chris Walker."
The first of many benefit shows takes place this Saturday at Stanley's Pub. The 7 p.m. show features Big Whiskey, The Whitney Barricklow Band, Rumpke Mountain Boys, The Spookfloaters and Jerry's Little Band. Future benefits include a Nov. 21 reunion performance by local Funk faves SHAG at the 20th Century Theater (also featuring Freekbass and The Animal Crackers) and a Frank Zappa tribute show at the Mad Frog on Nov. 24 with a host of local artists performing Zappa tunes.
More Local Notes
· Tokyo Rose Records presents "A Roast to Everything Jackson" this Friday at the Southgate House. Artists like Backset Virtue, Billy Catfish, Diet Audio, Forbidden Nectar, The Sheds, Slant, White Linen, Leisure, The Myths, Jeff Scott Roberson, Go Sky High with the Reverend Mother and Tokyo Rose CEO David Garza take a swing at their favorite songs by the Jackson 5, Janet, Michael, Tito or any other member of the Jackson clan. Well, musical member ... although I suppose a tribute to father Joe could be interesting.
· Rock quartet Fickle is hitting the road for some touring during November, so this Saturday the members will be hosting a "tour kick-off" show at the Madison Theater in Covington. Things have been going well for the band lately, as they've signed with a management company and are preparing to release their next album nationally in December on their own label, now called SofaBurn Records. The label is also working with the local band Pete Dressman and the Soul Unified Nation, which will have a new album out in November. Saturday's show is being filmed for Fickle's first DVD release as well. And the band plans on making a special announcement at the concert. Morning Star and Lot 32 open the show. (myspace.com/fickle)
· After a couple more live gigs, amazing local Indie/Folk/Electronic duo The Sheds will take a break from being a performing band, but you'll still be able to go to a club and see them. Just be sure to bring your dancing shoes. The duo is planning on presenting several dance parties throughout the year, hosting local and touring bands and "gently encouraging" revelers to shake their asses to those bands ("It's OK to Dance to Live Music!" begins their press release). The first is this Saturday at Molly Malone's in Covington (the old Jack Quinn's). Local greats The Seedy Seeds perform with The Sheds for the debut party (taking place in the venue's upstairs Emerald Room), along with guests Drexel (from Dayton), Minor Planets (Ann Arbor, Mich.) and Leah D. (Ypsilanti, Mich.). The Sheds plan on returning as a live band in the spring. (myspace.com/theshedsmusic)
CONTACT MIKE BREEN: mbreen(at)citybeat.com
