Seth Walker will make you believe with his forthcoming new album, Leap of Faith, set for release March 3 on Hyena Records. A rising star in blues and roots music, the young Austin, Texas-based songwriter, singer and guitarist has made his finest record to date. Recorded in Nashville and produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Gary Nicholson, the twelve-track collection showcases Walker’s impressive command of modern rhythm and blues, as it calls to mind artists like James Hunter, Robert Cray and Susan Tedeschi. And while Leap Of Faith centers around Walker’s soul-stirring originals, such as the album’s first single, “Rewind,” it also features inspired renditions of other songwriter’s work, including an unforgettable take on Nick Lowe’s “Lately I’ve Let Things Slide.”
Music audiences around the world were first introduced to Seth Walker with the release of his widely praised, self-titled 2007 Hyena Records debut. It hit the top twenty of the Americana and Living Blues charts, while receiving unanimous praise from publications like No Depression, Blues Revue and Maverick UK Magazine. Walker’s undeniable style is also garnering accolades from legendary artists like Bonnie Raitt, Taj Majal and Delbert McClinton. McClinton makes a guest appearance on Leap of Faith, lending his vocals to the track “Something Fast” and raves, “The first time I heard Seth Walker at a small club in Nashville I was impressed like I haven’t been impressed in 30 years, with performance, presence, and great songs.” No overnight success, Walker has been developing his craft in his adopted hometown of Austin, Texas for upwards of a decade. Seth took an unlikely path to the blues, growing up on a commune in rural North Carolina as the son of classically trained musicians. He played cello from the age of five before discovering the guitar in his late teens.
Seth Walker will be a featured performer at this year’s South by Southwest, and heads out on a U.S. tour in early 2009. Known for his scorching live shows, he hit the road extensively throughout ’08, performing at world-renowned festivals like Flat Rock in North Carolina, Springfest in Florida, Rawa Blues in Poland and Moulin Blues in Holland. He’s headlined shows across the U.S., often playing to sold-out rooms, while joining the likes of Johnny Winter, Marcia Ball and Robert Cray for opening appearances.