Bob Dylan casts a long shadow, perhaps too long. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of Dylan’s work and consider him one of the greatest songwriters we’ve known. But think about how many artists have been called “the new Dylan†over the years. While in one sense it is undoubtedly flattering, it is nonetheless burdensome and constricting.
Sammy Walker got his start writing and playing music in his native Atlanta but soon found himself a fixture in the folk music scene. He was featured in influential Broadside magazine, developed a friendship with Phil Ochs and released albums for legendary Folkways records. Not a bad set of folk credentials, for sure.
A promising career was never fully realized, however, as evolving consumer music preferences and a change in labels took their toll. He didn’t walk away from music completely, however. He developed a fan base in Europe and, upon relocating to North Carolina, established a friendship with Ramseur Records founder Dolph Ramseur.
Walker, via Ramseur, has just released the wonderful Brown Eyed Georgia Darlin’, a collection of songs recorded in the mid-1970’s. The performances, with Walker accompanying himself on guitar and harmonica, are magical. They may be billed as demos but I wouldn’t want to hear them with any additional studio adornment – they’re perfect just the way they are. All the better, they showcase the brilliance of a songwriter who shifts effortlessly from topics personal to those universal, always with a thoughtful and profound perspective.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.