NOTES FROM UNDERGROUND
In musical terms there is perhaps no history more forlorn than to be a soul singer based in Nashville. It’s a bit like being a death metal guitarist based in Tamworth, only more so.
Such then was the fate of Charles Walker, now 71 and belatedly recognised as one of the best funk artists alive today. His early years showed promise for a career. He supported James Brown and Jackie Wilson when they toured through Tennessee and both were very impressed.
In the end, though, he was still a soul singer in Nashville, a city absolutely dedicated to the pursuit of country and western. Eventually, Mr Walker left for New York, where he enjoyed local success in Mr Brown’s support bands, and as a club staple in the groovier venues around.
After a while, though, he bowed to weight of beckoning obscurity and left the music business to become an art dealer.
All that changed, however, back in Nashville at an improbable night at the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005. The night had been put together to celebrate the brief flowering of soul in the city during the 50s and 60s. Charles Walker’s voice featured prominently, and scared the living hell out of the audience because of its clarity and power.
Words were spoken, phone calls made, and Mr Walker found himself conscripted into a young soul band called The Dynamites – self-appointed vanguards of the deep funk movement. What followed was the stuff of dreams.
Two albums in, Charles Walker now finally has the fame and respect he deserved. He is mentioned often as a true equal of his early heroes. Young soul singers fall at his feet in adoration and glee. The Dynamites, armed with a singer second to none, are a soul band in very high demand throughout the world.
It’s good, then, that The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker (as they like to be known) are doing not one but two shows at The Basement on Saturday, November 19, and Sunday, November 20.
We have four double passes to give away to the Sunday show. To score one, call The Basement box office on 9251 2797 during business hours.
For a full list of shows at The Basement: www.thebasement.com.au
Contact the writer: amasterson@thebasement.net.au
BY ANDREW MASTERSON
