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"Covers were equally welcome as part of his set list. A performance of Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On” caught the attention of the crowd, and certainly gave Robert Plant a run for his money in the vocal department.
His pitch clarity, combined with exceptional vowel control, gave listeners something that’s often missing from live performance.
Although he typically focused on acoustic instrumentation, Finley was not without the occasional trick up his sleeve. With the utilization of looping effects, he was able to stack different layers of track composition that gave listeners the impression of a full band’s presence on stage."
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New York City keeps the blues alive at B.B. King’s
Photo: Taso Hountas
Walter Finley, right, opened for Rik Emmett, left, at B.B. King's on Nov. 10.
Article by Leanna Bornkamp - November 26th, 2012
New York City found itself a gracious host to the blues on Nov. 10, as Long Island native Walter Finley took the stage at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill.
Opened in 2000 in the middle of Times Square, B.B. King’s is known for its nightly line-ups of artists from all walks of life, tied together by their musicianship.
Performing in front of an enthusiastic crowd, Finley balanced the blues with the hits in his solo set at the opening of the evening.
As a resident of Long Island, Finley saw first hand how Hurricane Sandy devastated the area. In original tracks such as “Dune Road,” he made many references to the damage still rampant in the aftermath of the storm.
The track’s direct lyrics were supported by an impressive vocal range, along with an abundance of 7th chords, a structural choice that so many have come to associate with the blues.
“A lot of my original songs are references to experiences, and some of them are just what I’d like to experience,” Finley said. “Performing them sometimes is very personal; sometimes it’s tough, because you’re exposing yourself.”
One of the most arresting qualities of this memorable performance was Finley’s flexible voice, as its light reverb was all the audience needed before being whisked away into the imagery that he so directly described with his lyrics.
Another example of this directness is “Country Kitchen,” a song about the life he had as a child growing up in Westhampton, Long Island.
Although at times the lyrics may seem too direct to the casual listener, this is precisely what makes his music so memorable, as well as relevant to the blues genre.
Just as past blues greats have used their music to speak of their real world problems, leaving no song meanings up to interpretation, Finley lays bare the problems and joys of the world he lives in, making his music all the more relatable.
“Every time I sing an original song, it puts me right back into the moment of when I wrote it,” said Finley. “And if it’s a personal experience, I’m remembering it while I’m singing about it. So, I kind of disappear into the dream of the song, if you will.”
Covers were equally welcome as part of his set list. A performance of Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On” caught the attention of the crowd, and certainly gave Robert Plant a run for his money in the vocal department.
His pitch clarity, combined with exceptional vowel control, gave listeners something that’s often missing from live performance.
Although he typically focused on acoustic instrumentation, Finley was not without the occasional trick up his sleeve. With the utilization of looping effects, he was able to stack different layers of track composition that gave listeners the impression of a full band’s presence on stage.
Soon, smooth acoustic slides and only the echo of his foot pressing on the loop pedal punctuated the seamless transitions between acoustic and electric instrumentation.
Despite switches between covers and originals, he retained enough individual style to give his performance a central theme of sincerity and consistently impressive musicality.
Though it may not have always been the 12-bar structure that many have come to expect from “the blues,” Finley’s music maintained the direct, honest quality of the genre.
It is in this way, not just in musical progression, that he perpetuates the style that so many have grown to love.
Rick Emmett, the headlining performer of the evening, put on an impressive show, knocking the socks off of the crowd with his expertise on the guitar.
However, when his songs were looked at in their entirety, his live vocals often detracted from their overall feel.
Though an emotional rasp often redeemed his vowel shapes and intermittent pitch issues, his performance was much like the music of classic rockers Rush with instrumentation that knocks everyone out of the water, but it takes some work to get used to the vocals.
Technical difficulties may have put a damper on the show, but an inappropriate joke here and there got the ball rolling again.
One of Emmett’s most memorable songs of the evening was “Lay it on the Line,” a track from his time with Canadian rock band Triumph.
The instrumental jam sessions he was able to intertwine into the song kept the audience absolutely rapt.
Patrons of B.B. King’s on Nov. 10 found themselves treated to an evening of authentic blues to talk about until their next visit.
Walter Finley
Acoustic Singer/Songwriter
A fine dining establishment. Couples waiting to be seated. Unassumingly, In walks a man with equipment as if setting up for a band. The perplexed looks on the couples’ faces turn to smiles as the man straps on his guitar, and begins to strum, filling the room with the relaxing rhythm of the night. Suddenly, as if by magic, the rhythm begins to play on its own as the man embroiders cool, easy melodies, one atop the other, softly and clearly; two guitars, but only one man. Then, the voice. Smooth velvet riding atop the stringed filigree. All heads turn with the realization that such a fine level of artistry will serve as the backdrop of a great dining experience. The experience of one man. One guitar. One wonderful time. It’s just another “day at the office” for Walter Finley.
As a musical performer for nearly two decades, Walter Finley is almost a household name on the East End and he also enjoys an enthusiastic following in such states as Colorado, South Carolina and Florida. Popular as the Long Island Troubadour, a solo performer, he is also well known for his Band the “WFB” a well respected collective of master musicians such as Drummers Chris Marshak, Rodney Harris, Christie DeFeo, bassists Kenny Harris, Bakithi Kumalo, Jorge Messa, and pianists Bill Smith, and Bill Heller.
It is always an exhilarating experience when WFB gets together for a performance. The band is simply an extension of Walter himself. With familiarity built up over years of performing together, each member of the band adds his own texture, awash in wave after wave of dynamic sound. Walter takes popular songs we all know and love from different genres and eras, adding his own unique twist and free flowing improvisation.
Performing at Restaurants, Clubs, and Private Affairs is what sustains him, but his real passion is in the creation of original songs. He derives much of his inspiration from beauty of the East End including, Westhampton which he calls home. His songs are easily accessible and often requested. His song, “Dune Road” for example, has never officially been released yet it has become one of his most requested songs, especially in the summer. He performs it almost every night on the beach at sunset. Having achieved success with two original projects, and with songs aired on WEHM, WUSB, WFUV, Walter is now working on a soon to be released collection of more original songs, which he believes to be his finest project to date. The as yet unnamed work is expected to be released in the fall of 2014. Walter's music is available at GetConquer.com/WalterFinley.
Walter performs his original works under Capstone Music Entertainment management, and has performed at such venues as BB King Times Square, Highline Ballroom, and The Cube of Fulton Street. He has opened shows for such greats as Rik Emmett from the band Triumph, Little Feat, and John Waite.
Ben Wisch, Grammy Award Winning Record Producer said, “Walter writes songs from his own life experiences... seen through the eyes of his heart.”
Chris Marshak, musician and recording artist stated, “These are super soulful songs which touch your heart. With melodies that make you want to sing along, Walter Finley has delivered something very special.”
Mark Weis, CEO of Capstone Music Entertainment commented. "Walter a true professional. His original songs are written from his experiences and truly from his heart, memorable melodies and choruses draw you into his world and make you think about your own....Walter’s original compositions and performance skills are unmatched. He is a true singer song writer who lives what he writes and always delivers a stellar performance....if you ever get a chance to see him, don't miss it...you'll be glad you did.”
One of Walter’s favorite places to perform is the Cedar Beach Bar and Grill in Miller Place, With a large beach crowd he’ll be there every Friday night in the summer, both solo and with his band, and can also be found there on some Monday nights. If the past is any sign of the future, this Fourth of July is bound to be a blast!
Walter can also be seen regularly at
Porto Vivo in Huntington
Matteo’s in Roslyn Heights
Z Pita in Port Jefferson
Oakdale Yacht Marina
Palmer Vineyard in Riverhead
North Fork Tasting Room in Riverhead
Pace’s in Mattituck
Listen to Walter’s music at Getconquer.com/WalterFinley
Follow Walter at Facebook.com/
On Twitter: @Trubador
Walterfinley.com
E-mail HYPERLINK "mailto:Wfinley@
Article by:
Anthony Ambrogio
Certified Artist Developer
Conquer Entertainment
New York, NY, US | 5:00pm
Happy Hour Acoustic Hang WALTER FINLEY A sultry and soulful rhythm, a unique vocal texture, and an outstanding stage presence which captivates audiences far and wide. Bob Dylan, David Gray, Peter Gabriel, Bob Marley, just to name a few, are some of the names that Walter credit's his musical influence. September 26, 2012 Showtime @ 6:00PM Doors Open @ 5:00PM NO COVER Performing 3 sets at 6:00PM General Admission Seating First come, first seated This show will take place in Lucille's Bar & Grill, located inside B.B. King Blues Club