Rachel Walker Trio: Press & Reviews

Long-time local favourite music group 'Rachel Walker Trio' continues to attract global interest with their new CD titled ‘Best of Zest Part 2.’ The recording contains songs like ‘Captain Kloister’, ‘Liberty of Love’, ‘Pants on Fire’, ‘No Alibis’, ‘Broken’ and ‘We Will Go On.’ The sounds and stories are unique and varied, reflecting the skills and the lives of the songwriters and musicians who created themFrom minor to major, from plaintive to poignant and from homespun to haunting, the songs celebrate the musical and life journeys of the members of the Rachel Walker Trio, which formed in 2006.

The band is made up of Michael Fait, Rachel Walker and Ray Chadwick. Ray contributes piano, six and 12-string guitar, harmonica, slide guitar, bass, vocals, cello and violin to the trio, Rachel does vocals and plays piano, six and 12-string guitar and Michael contributes percussion and poetry.   

The trio members said that the success of their projects is due in large part to Randle Timmons, who brings electronic and sound expertise to the group, as well as skill and experience in photography and technology.

On ‘Zest 2’ listeners are charmed by a hint of eastern mysticism, a fleeting bit of Celtic appeal and maybe even a glimpse of Russia in Ray’s violin contributions to some of the songs. Rachel’s warm, beautiful vocals range from clean, sweet and lyrical to powerful and deep, and Michael’s pure percussive genius and his lyrical poetry wind like rich threads throughout the tapestry of each song.

There is everything from the heart-haunting, rolling beauty of ‘Sailboats’ to the gleeful anarchy of ‘Pants on Fire’ and the complete satisfaction of listening to truly excellent songwriting in action.

“The audience needs to connect with the music; not just shallow or superficial stuff--the timeless albums that people relate to---music that has depth and that you can listen to again and again,” Ray said.

“Song writing is a rarity today. As artists we don’t like the ‘radio formula’ for writing.  This is our way of expressing artistic freedom. We refuse to allow the industry to force us to write a certain way: the music needs to stand on its own two feet, and originality is the important thing.”

Their song-writing is a true collaboration, they explained. “Mike or Rachel come with lyrics and it’s magic for me to watch,” Randle said. “They take a poem or a set of lyrics and it just happens. Ray will look at the words and do a bass groove and Mike works the drums and Rachel has a melody: they really inspire each other.”

“One thing that really helps us is Rachel’s laughter—it’s intoxicating,” Michael said. “It’s like a shot in the arm, or a kick-start. She never gets impatient or grumpy.”

Mike said that some of the lyrics come from experiences he has had while traveling. “I once saw two little islands off Newfoundland that belong to France, and while I was driving along I wrote a poem called ‘It’s Snowing in Newfoundland’ that I hope will be a Christmas song. Every once in a while I fall into a perfect emotional groove. For instance, I’m driving down the road and see a sign that says ‘Michael’s Harbour’ with a Christmas tree farm across the road,” he continued. “I wrote one poem while driving back from Kamloops about pink cowboy boots and cellophane.”

Ray said that the group has had some incredible moments. “Rachel and I did a special for the 139 Children’s once. Rachel was asked to sing ‘Amazing Grace’, and we thought, ‘Why don’t we jazz it up a bit?’ and we did. It was a very cool version with a clean, spiritual swing. It was joyful: a far cry from pensive,” he explained.

“You hear that ‘sweet spot’ in a song and you just know,” Rachel said. “It’s when the rhythm and the writing and emotion is right.”

Ray explained that he doesn’t aim for perfection when they record. “I like the overall sound: we leave mistakes in because we’re human and we sound real,” he said, and Randle added that their music isn’t ‘tracked’ when they record: it’s all live and not over-orchestrated.

“I think the one song that says it all for me is ‘Room With a View’ from our first CD,” Michael said. “It was a six minute song. We recorded it only once, and it worked the first time.” 

The group is already putting ideas together for their next recording, and Rachel said that they’re exploring a fresh, new genre. “For me, when I write I want to be looking at things globally---the sounds of freedom and love beyond obstacles. As seasoned musicians, you feel that out of suffering and oppression come music from the soul: you can’t fake that,” she stated. “For my song writing, that’s what I’m gearing toward. I want to reflect the art of overcoming and having depth---something live, invigorating and joyful.”   

"Beautiful! Nice dreamy melody. I don't like it I love it! Reminds me a little of Massive Attack."

soooooooo romantic!!! the song for next valentine's day:))

Groovin. Great song, beautiful voices and one heck of a vibe going. Very nice. The kind of music I'd like to hear while driving at night. I can't think of any way to improve your work, but all I can say is well done! Hope you continue with this!

Recording artist Rachel Walker will perform favourites from her CD, as well as new songs from her soon-to-be-released recording. Rachel makes new fans and new friends wherever she plays, and has hundreds of followers who are eagerly awaiting the debut performance of some of her brand new songs. Her smooth, warm vocals and original songs range from heartfelt to whimsical, from edgy to globally intelligent and back again.

The Rachel Walker Trio which is growing in popularity around the lakecity and in concerts held further afield. Last Thursday the Rachel Walker Trio wowed the audience followed by internationally acclaimed Don Alder's folk rock guitar picking. Before his own concert, Alder performed one song with the Rachel Walker Trio.

 

The Rachel Walker Trio took the stage for the Performances in the Park in Boitanio Park. The skilled musicians and song writers displayed a wide range of song styles,charming the huge crowd, and setting the stage for internationally acclaimed guitar player Don Alder.