They say that there is no substitute for experience, and being of the Half-Century Club myself, I would certainly concur with that statement. There is a huge number of young guns on the blues and blues/rock scene these days, perhaps more now that ever. They are fast, brash, and confident but inexperienced nonetheless. Paying ones dues is not a popular practice these days and quite frankly, a lot of the blues community is unwilling to embrace a lot of these artists who get a big label push without first developing and nurturing a local, then regional fan base and building their reputation and career from the ground up. New York guitarist John Earl Walker has been playing professionally since 1965. His lengthy resume includes a stint with a major label as a founding member of the Capitol Recording

Walker has re-surfaced in 2002 with a vengeance on his latest recording "Little Miss Perfect" from his current John Earl Walker Band. The band, which includes a talented lineup of veterans Joey Tremelo on second guitar, Bobby Infante on drums, Peter Harris on bass, and Gene Cordew on keyboards, really pumps up the energy on this latest set of 12 John Earl Walker originals. The band sounds a bit like what might have happened several years ago if Dire Straits had determined to become more of a British type blues band. They also remind me some of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, though the band has a more raw, edgier sound. Walker's guitar work is aggressive and his tone nasty. This is definitely a recording that you will want to play at window shaking volume level.

This is some very excellent rockin' blues and another recording that all you ax-aholics will want to own. I particularly enjoyed "She Looks At Me", the very hot title track, "Hurricane", which may be my favorite on the set, and "Last Time Out", which also includes some great harp from special guest Johnny Byrne.

You may experience "Little Miss Perfect" on-line at www.johnearlwalkerband.com and there is indeed no substitute for experience.