Podcast Summary: "Takin' A Walk with Robert Walter: Three Decades of West Coast Boogaloo"

Introduction In the December 20, 2024 episode of "Takin' a Walk", hosted by Buzz Knight from iHeartPodcasts, Robert Walter joins the show to delve into his extensive career in the soul jazz scene. As a founding member of the renowned Gray Boy All Stars and a collaborator with notable artists like Roger Waters, Walter shares insightful stories about his musical journey, collaborations, and the evolution of his artistry over three decades.

Early Influences and Formation of Gray Boy All Stars Robert Walter's musical journey began in a household steeped in music, thanks to his father who was a drummer. Growing up in the 1980s, Walter was initially immersed in the heavy metal and punk rock scenes before finding his passion for jazz.

"I was kind of in the punk rock scene in San Diego and playing... my first band was kind of a heavy metal band... then I became interested in jazz," Walter explains (06:08). This transition was fueled by his appreciation for the rebellious and improvisational nature of jazz.

The Gray Boy All Stars originated as a one-off gig to promote DJ Gray Boy's album. Walter recounts, "We just kind of put together the band for that one gig. But the chemistry was so good... we booked some more gigs, and it just grew out of that" (04:30). What was intended to be a singular performance became a staple in the San Diego music scene, particularly at the Green Circle Bar.

Musical Philosophy and Improvisation A significant aspect of Walter's approach to music is his emphasis on collaboration and improvisation. He believes in minimal preconceived agendas to allow for genuine interaction among musicians.

"The less of an agenda you can come into improvisation with, the better it's going to sound," Walter asserts (07:20). He further elaborates on the importance of being present and responsive, likening musical improvisation to a conversation where leaving space for others enhances the overall performance.

"There’s always a give and take. That’s kind of what’s exciting about it... the more you think of it as a conversation with the other players, the more interesting it is," he adds (07:20-08:25).

Instrumentation and the Hammond B3 Organ Walter's deep connection with the Hammond B3 organ became a cornerstone of his musical identity. Inspired by classic Blue Note and Prestige records from the 60s, he immersed himself in the rich sounds of legends like Jimmy Smith and Richard Groove Holmes.

"I started collecting those records and became kind of in love with the instrument," he shares (11:12). Despite his profound affinity, Walter admits, "It's a very complex instrument. I'm still... intimidated by it sometimes," highlighting the continual learning process involved in mastering the Hammond B3 (12:19).

When discussing his setup, Walter mentions his preference for a straightforward approach:

"I play a pretty stock rig. I just turn it all the way up. That's kind of my trick because I really... don't be scared of distortion. It's part of the sound," he states (13:41). This philosophy underscores his commitment to maintaining the authentic and raw essence of his music.

Collaborations and Working with Legends like Roger Waters Working with Roger Waters of Pink Floyd has been a significant highlight in Walter's career. He reflects on how this collaboration allows him to infuse his unique style while honoring Waters' iconic legacy.

"The organ parts are pretty loose actually, and it’s... I can kind of screw around and just create textures," Walter explains (16:10). Despite the freedom, Roger Waters maintains a meticulous attention to detail, guiding Walter to refine his contributions.

"He has crazy attention to detail... He kinda likes to sculpt your parts, but out of things you’re playing sort of freely," Walter notes (16:10-17:03). This dynamic fosters a balanced environment where creativity and precision coexist.

Longevity and Evolution of Gray Boy All Stars Celebrating over three decades, the Gray Boy All Stars have maintained their relevance and cohesion through intentional breaks and side projects.

"We take time off... everybody has side things, so they all can express themselves in all these different ways," Walter explains (19:46). This approach prevents creative burnout and keeps the band's mission intact: to pay tribute to classic music while keeping it improvisational and dance-friendly.

"We never feel like we have to force every creative idea into this band. This is just this thing we do and we all agree on what it is," he adds (19:46-21:05). This clear mission statement has been pivotal in sustaining the band's longevity and magical chemistry.

Solo Projects and Recent Works Beyond the band, Walter has pursued solo endeavors that showcase his versatility and creative instincts. His latest solo project, "Better Feathers", emerged during the COVID-19 lockdown, serving as a therapeutic outlet and a means to continue making music amidst challenging times.

"I started working on music so I wouldn't go crazy. I just started recording stuff and sending tracks to my friends," Walter shares (22:57). This homegrown approach allowed for collaborative creativity despite physical distancing, resulting in a heartfelt collection of homemade music.

Future Aspirations and Dream Collaborations Looking ahead, Walter expresses a desire to collaborate with a diverse array of artists, with Björk and Joni Mitchell topping his wish list. He also reflects nostalgically on artists like Curtis Mayfield and dreams of working with legends such as Bob Dylan.

"I would love to work with Björk... I wish I could go back in time and play with Curtis Mayfield," he reveals (23:56). These aspirations reflect his deep respect for musicians who push artistic boundaries and maintain artistic integrity.

Conclusion Robert Walter's episode on "Takin' a Walk" offers a comprehensive look into his enduring passion for music, his dedication to collaboration and improvisation, and his unwavering commitment to honoring musical legacies. With his rich history in the Gray Boy All Stars and his ongoing solo projects, Walter exemplifies the spirit of West Coast Boogaloo, blending tradition with innovation to create music that resonates across generations.

Notable Quotes:

• "The less of an agenda you can come into improvisation with, the better it's going to sound." — Robert Walter (07:20)
• "We never feel like we have to force every creative idea into this band. This is just this thing we do and we all agree on what it is." — Robert Walter (19:46-21:05)
• "If you just kind of, if you... it's all about being in the moment." — Robert Walter (08:38)
• "He has crazy attention to detail... He kinda likes to sculpt your parts, but out of things you’re playing sort of freely." — Robert Walter (16:10-17:03)
• "I started working on music so I wouldn't go crazy. I just started recording stuff and sending tracks to my friends." — Robert Walter (22:57)

Timestamps:

• 06:08 Early musical influences
• 04:30 Formation of Gray Boy All Stars
• 07:20 Musical philosophy
• 08:38 Application of improvisation to business
• 09:11 Seminal concerts and collaborations
• 11:12 Connection with the Hammond B3
• 13:41 Instrument setup and sound
• 16:10 Working with Roger Waters
• 17:03 Comparing collaborators
• 19:46 Longevity of the band
• 21:05 New album "Grab Bag 2007-2023"
• 22:57 Solo project "Better Feathers"
• 23:56 Dream collaborations

Conclusion Robert Walter's insights on this episode provide a deep dive into the life of a seasoned musician who seamlessly blends respect for musical traditions with a penchant for innovation. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to his work, this episode offers valuable perspectives on collaboration, improvisation, and sustaining a vibrant music career over decades.