About a week before Katrina hit, I turned on WWOZ and heard some super heavy jazz organ. I thought it was pretty cool, and paid special attention to the DJ when he announced it was Robert Walter.
The Friday before Katrina hit, the entertainment section of the Times-Picayune revealed that Robert Walter had recently moved to New Orleans and would be playing at Tipitina’s the following Thursday. I made a mental note and thought I might go to check him out with my friend David Bryan.
Then Katrina hit. But — surprise — last night I saw Robert Walter play right here in Bloomington at a club called Uncle Fester’s.
I bluffed my way in: “I hear people from New Orleans get in free.” And I presented my drivers license to the bouncer. It worked! Xy and I both got in free.
What a great show.
We also went to Second Story and saw Brando. They rocked.
How would you describe his sound? I see his site says he plays a “super heavy organ”. Just missed him playing here at Schubas the night before you caught him in Bloomington.
Describe his sound? Jazz trio instrumentals, with organ, drums and bass. Groovalicious and funkalicious.
Robert Walter comes through Missoula often; in fact, I’ve interviewed him. Here’s a link:
http://missoulian.com/articles/2003/10/30/entertainer/ent08.txt
Brando is still around? Wow…I would have thought they would have broken up years ago! I guess I’m relieved there are still a few B-town groups that I remember still around…