Artist: Everett B Walters
Album: It’s For The Love Of Music
Release: 2021
Good contemporary jazz albums all have a few things in common. Groove, maturity, diverse instrumentation, great melodies, polished recordings and understated virtuosity. The new release from Everett B Walters has all of the above.
The first thing that grabbed my ear is how tight the production is on every front. Not only is the recording thick, lush and impeccably mixed, but the musicians are locked in and 100% committed to the groove, laying down an unmovable foundation for the melodies and solos. The sonic pie is sliced perfectly, allowing all the instruments the space to breathe and contribute their own color to the bigger picture, the song itself.
Guitarist, Michael Everett Brown and Bassist, Harold Walter Brown III, two brothers from the south side of Chicago are the founders, arrangers, writers, producers are the driving force behind the jazz/funk group. There always seems to be a bond between siblings that grew up together playing music that peaks through in the recordings, and this pair is no exception.
That musical connection is on display in the first four measures of track one “Same Ole Line”. On the first downbeat it is clear this outfit came to play and they mean business. The bass line provided by Harold Walter Brown III pulsates without over stepping, providing the backbone of the cut. He never loses focus of the song or groove, but occasionally pops up to the forefront with a clever fill in a way that is reminiscent of the great Nathan East. The guitar work is funky and tasteful. Anything more than what was played would’ve been too much. A testament to the restraint of master musicians.
The title track “It’s For The Love Of Music” comes in with the same swag that is on display in track one. The groove is infectious and driving, setting the stage for guitarist Michael Everett Brown. His playing encapsulates everything that Contemporary Jazz lovers look for in a guitar player. Well played passages that walk the tightrope between intellect, chops and feel.
If there is one song that encapsulates the overall feel of the record I would say it is “Mom’s Biscuits”. As I said at the top of the review... Groove, maturity, diverse instrumentation, great melodies, polished recordings and understated virtuosity. It all comes together on this cut.
I highly recommend this album if you enjoy smooth, funky contemporary jazz. More than any single musician, it features the songs. It feels like a truly collaborative effort that allows for all the players to shine.
Check out this interview!
Tell us the brief history of your band or musical career.
2 brothers Harold W Brown III on Basses and Michael E Brown Sr on Guitars, Keys
performing together for over 40 yrs and 20 as Everett B Walters.
Who are your musical and non-musical influences?
Our mom and pops, grandmother, uncle John and Tom (Tom Tom 84) Washington and
too many to mention.
What album has had the greatest impact on your life as a musician?
Marvin Gaye- What’s going on, Sly and the family stone Greatest hits, EWF- Head to the sky
just to name a few.
What song do you remember most from your childhood?
Chances are- Johnny Mathias, Under the Boardwalk-Drifters Parents played all the time
What’s your favorite accomplishment as a musician thus far?
Writing , producing, recording and performing our music.
Tell me about your favorite performance in your career.
Performing in front of the hometown fans in Chicago and in Las Vegas.
What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?
Practice, Practice, and stay ready !!
What's new in the recording of your music? How has your music changed over the years?
Song selection and toe tapping melodies. Improving the sound quality.
What inspires you to write the music you write? What made you want to play the instrument you play?
Growing up listening and performing all types of music and saying we can do that !!
My brother was a guitar player who switch to bass and i was a sax player. My brother
was playing in a band that needed a second guitar he asked me to play !
How does your latest album differ from any of your others in the past? Do you feel like you are continuing to grow musically?
We decided to use a classical guitar on the lead track and people started to really listen!
If you could play anywhere or with anyone in the world, where or with who would it be?
I would have to say a world tour with Earth, Wind and Fire!
How does music affect you and the world around you?
Great Question ! Mood setter !! when sad, glad or mad !
If you could change anything about the music industry today, what would it be?
Convincing talent buyers and promoters to add us to their next show !!
What are your biggest obstacles as a musician?
Finding musician to join the band !
What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
Oh no !! We are not great musicians, still working to get there !
Do you have any weaknesses that you're actively working to improve on?
Working everyday to improve our performance!
Describe your favorite and or least favorite part about being a musician.
The favorite are the fans and least is the tear down after the performance!
Do you have any anxiety about performing live? Do you like to perform or do you prefer to record in a studio?
Both! Anxiety happens when waiting in green room to be called on stage.
What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Sharing is great for the business! They will come back for more !!
Describe your creative process when you write new music.
Having your own studio is a plus! When you get a idea, we jump up and start recording !
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
My brother Harold likes camping and riding off road vehicles and I like watching soap opera General Hospital !
Other than being a musician, what was your dream job growing up?
Harold wanted to race cars and I wanted to play major league baseball1
Give us some advice for new musicians just starting out.
Learn the ins and out about the music business !
What are your interests outside of music?
Family, camping watching sports on TV
How do you promote your band and shows?
social media, radio
What is the best way to stay updated on current news; gigs, releases, etc.?
Facebook, twitter, instagram, and our website, Youtube Too
Are you available for private parties? If so, how would someone contact you about booking?
yes we do private events and contact us at everett.b.walters@gmail.com
What's next for your band?
Christmas CD and time to hit the road soon !
Anything Else You Would Like to Include?
Thanks for adding us to the Radio Guitar one programming and hope everyone enjoys the music!