In the midst of recording his 12th album, wavering in his resolve to finish what he’d started, Seth Walker came to a realization. No album is trapped in amber, no song is set in stone. Distance colors compositions over the years and each album is left as a reflection of its own period in time. This idea played a big part in shaping ‘Why The Worry’. Now, the other half of knowing is letting go; letting go of the worry about perception, the worry of over-preparation, and the worry that seeps in constantly from the news and noise of everyday life. The new album finds Walker reunited with old friends and familiar names. Once again Jano Rix steps behind the boards, co-producing the album with Seth & engineer Brook Sutton. In the producer’s 5th outing he’s become an invaluable sounding board, the kind who knows what’s missing and, just as importantly, what needs to be taken away. Oliver Wood (The Wood Brothers) lends a pen to the title track, and Seth’s classically trained father Scott adds strings to “I’m Getting Ready,” a song penned by Walker’s contemporary Michael Kiwanuka. Mostly, though, the record was shepherded into shape by Walker’s trio, rounded out by longtime confidants Rhees Williams (Guitar, Piano) & Mark Raudabaugh (Drums). The 3 let the studio guide them, entering without agenda, set straight by the title’s mantra to stop worrying where they’d end up. But worry always tries to creep in. It’s inevitable, isn’t it? The album was just about finished when Hurricane Helene hit Walker’s region in the mountains around Asheville, and as a result, the record almost didn’t see light. As catastrophe took shape and literal bridges were broken, the album’s importance wavered in Seth’s mind until the central theme came back into view. The worry wouldn’t undo any damage, and there was still service in song. There’s a telling nod in the album closing with Bobby Charles’ seminal ode “I Must Be In a Good Place Now.” Why The Worry is a spiritual reset, watching the sunrise over the mountains. It soaks in like warmth on the skin after a night of shivering in the dark. Charles isn’t the only notable scribe among the track list, an even mix of Walker’s originals and a carefully curated crop of covers that rifle through the past and present. Setting the course are two gems from JJ Cale, whose sanguine saunter leans well into the album’s themes of amble and ease. Walker opens the album with the smoke ring sway of Bill Withers, turning the lights low for a gently funked rendition of “The Same Love That Made Me Laugh.” The groove grows deeper on Al Green’s “Take Me To The River,” putting a distinctly reclined feel on the soul classic. The breezy feeling extends to the originals as well, injecting a bit of Cale’s country funk into “Up On The Mountain,” soaking spring air and hope into “Supernatural Thing,” and melting nostalgia into meditation on “Midway Girl.” Why The Worry follows a string of critically acclaimed albums from Walker, garnering praise from NPR to The Washington Post. He’s been found on the road with The Mavericks, The Wood Brothers, Raul Malo, Paul Thorn and Ruthie Foster among others. He recently penned “Moon and Stars” – the title track to The Mavericks new album, sung as a duet with Sierra Ferrell. Walker’s latest album Why The Worry is out on tomorrow, on Royal Potato Family.
I had the chance to catch back up with Seth Walker (it has been a few years since last we spoke and I’ve been paying attention) and he will be back this way on April 30th at the Stoughton Opera House with Dave & Dave of Trampled By Turtles and his longtime pal (doing a short run with) Oliver Wood. What a incredible line-up for all of us who get to be a part of it. He sounded as blown away as I feel about it. We got into the joy of this upcoming show, but we started with getting into his brand new (just dropped April 4th) album ‘Why The Worry’ on Royal Potato Family Records. We kinda go seed to flower, dissect a few tunes off the release, and discuss how he and Oliver worked on their offering on the record and more. When I said I have been paying attention, it all comes back to this moment and this album, it’s really got that truth to it that I search for. Seth also gives some thought to a setlist and he gives love and props to our pal Kevin over at Royal Potato Family. Finally, we will have to check in and find out who wins the tennis matches on this short run. Deuce.
Photo by: Parker Pfister
