Seth Walker
| Shows at the Purple Fiddle |
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“…an accomplished guitarist and an even better singer, distilling the soul of Ray Charles, the Southern boy
roots charm of Delbert McClinton, and an uptown blues turn of phrase (à la Percy Mayfield) into his own distinct voice.” – The Vinyl District
“This young man is pure talent, a masterful blues guitarist, a singer with some swing in his voice and a writer whose (songs) sound less composed than unleashed.” – Austin American-Statesman
“…Walker clearly illustrates his diverse musical talent and experience by building on what makes a great blues song.” – “Hear and Now” – KDHX
“If you subscribe to the Big Tent theory of Americana, then Seth Walker –with his blend of blues, gospel, pop, R&B, rock, and a dash country—just might be your poster boy.” – Country Standard Time
“Walker’s brilliantly nuanced vocals are as natural, clear, sharp, and as effortlessly elegant as his guitar playing in these songs, and it all fits together into a warm, unadorned little album that reveals itself more and more with each listen.” – All Music
Walker is often cited as one of the most prolific contemporary Americana artists on the scene today. He’s
a multi-dimensional talent who combines a gift for melody and lyric alongside a rich, Gospel-drenched,
Southern-inflected voice with a true blue knack for getting around on the guitar. His most recent studio album,
Are You Open, produced by Jano Rix of The Wood Brothers, and a string of singles, including “We Got This,”
“Spirits Moving” and a cover of Van Morrison’s classic “Warm Love” further build upon this reputation.
Most recently, Walker added published author to his oeuvre with his first memoir, ‘Your Van Is On Fire.’ A
riotous and charming melange of a touring musician’s life, the book is comprised of many short essays, poems
and paintings he'd accumulated over a near 30-year career. Written during the 2020 lockdown, Walker offers
a first hand account of an artist in perpetual motion who’s dedicated his life to chasing the muse wherever it
may lead.
Growing up on a commune in rural North Carolina, the son of classically trained musicians, Seth Walker played
cello long before discovering the guitar in his 20s. When his introduction to the blues came via his Uncle
Landon Walker, who was both a musician and disc jockey, his fate was forever sealed. Instantaneously, Seth
was looking to artists like T-Bone Walker, Snooks Eaglin, and B.B. King as a wellspring of endless inspiration.
The rest is history. He's released ten albums, broken into the Top 20 of the Americana Radio Charts, reached
No. 2 on the Billboard Blues Album Chart and received praise from NPR, American Songwriter, No Depression
and Relix, among others.
In addition to extensive recording and songwriting pursuits, Seth is consistently touring and performing at
venues and festivals around the world. Along with headline shows, he's been invited to open for The
Mavericks, The Wood Brothers, Raul Malo, Paul Thorn and Ruthie Foster, among others.
Seth Walker is currently based in Asheville, NC after previously residing in Austin, New Orleans and Nashville.
He’s used those experiences wisely, soaking up the sounds and absorbing the musical lineage of these varied
places. With a bluesman’s respect for roots and tradition, coupled with an appreciation for—and successful
melding of—contemporary songwriting, Seth sublimely incorporates a range of styles with warmth and grace.
Perhaps Country Standard Time said it best: “If you subscribe to the Big Tent theory of Americana, then Seth
Walker –with his blend of blues, gospel, pop, R&B, rock, and a dash country—just might be your poster boy.”