Peter Young, DJ Smooth FM, London UK

 

I love this very much. "Playing To Win" is a very good Soul/Blues crossover.

 

 

 

Beverly Paterson, music writer and reviewer, San Mateo CA.

 

Most people recognize Jimmy Walker as the drummer and vocalist of The Knickerbockers, an ace East Coast band, who stormed the airwaves with the hard-edged, harmony pop rock of “Lies". However, there’s much more to Jimmy than The Knickerbockers. Aside from having performed with such a revered band, he also staged a long stint with The Righteous Brothers, but now has his own thing going.

And here it is, the new album from Jimmy Walker, which exhibits his multiple talents to agreeable effects. Offering a keen combination of soul, pop, blues and rock, “Playin’ To Win’” is charged to the limit with powerful affirmations. Dressed handsomely in smooth Motown finish, “Think About It” gets the record off to a great start. Jimmy’s singing, which is as deep and soulful as can be, gushes with confidence and sincerity.Set to a catchy arrangement, “Street Corner Harmony” is autobiographical, as Jimmy remembers growing up on the rough streets of Bronx, New York and finding his calling through music. A rather gritty temper encases the aptly titled “Right To Sing The Blues,” while “What’s Wrong With That?” leans a bit towards the funk region of the room. The arrangements on “Playin’ To Win” are solid, the rhythms are tight and the melodies are marvelously majestic. Not one afraid to speak his mind, there’s also a touch of social commentary to be had on the disc. Honest and created straight from the heart, “Playin’ To Win” is certainly a winner. The tone is vintage, but the delivery is contemporary, leading to the kind of album that’s simply timeless.

 

 

Scott Riggi, Schnectady NY. A Royal Flush!

 

Jimmy has a winning hand with "Playing To Win"! Every song gives the listener a little piece of Jimmy's life experiences. A true troubadour! Displaying his heart and soul for all of us to feel. It's a great pleasure to hear Jimmy's voice again. I look forward to many more Jimmy Walker songs to come after getting this taste. In Jimmy Walker we have one of the Great Soul Singers in this era of imitators. Jimmy is the Real Deal and we are all Winners with "Playing To Win"! Thanks Jimmy! "Soul Man #1"