Giving Up The Ghost

On his new record, "Giving Up the Ghost", Robert Walter has added a new talent to his recording lineup. Known for his work with such jazz/soul/funk giants as Mike Clark of Herbie Hancock's Headhunters, legendary James Brown and P-Funk sideman and songwriter, Fred Wesley, and George Porter of the Meters, this time out Walter enlisted another player for his latest album -- the studio. "I collect records. I'm into recordings," says Walter. "From doing home recordings, I started experimenting with different sounds, and I decided I wanted to do something more interesting than just record the band. On this album, I tried using the studio as an instrument. It's involved in the music and an important part of making this record what it is. I move things around, change elements. On some tracks, there's no soloing at all, and all of the solos are downplayed in favor of creating a mood, a sonic texture." Joined by Joe Russo and George Sluppick on drums; Greyboy Allstar Chris Stillwell and Black-Eyed Pea Mike Fratantuno on bass; Will Bernard (of TJ Kirk fame) on guitar; percussionist Chuck Prada, and long-time partner Cochemea Gastelum on alto sax and various woodwinds, Walter explores new territory, incorporating elements of electronic music and dub reggae into his traditional R&B and jazz roots, all powered by the flavor of his vintage Fender Rhodes and Hammond B-3 organ. The result is a new hybrid that's distinctly Robert Walter, which is to say, the sound combines just about every form of music into a driving, syncopated groove that will move fans of jazz, soul, blues, roots rock and, yes, those ever-in-motion jam band dance fanatics.