Last night, I headed to Atwood’s Tavern to hear Seth Walker, a blues guitarist and songwriter currently based in New Orleans who previously lived in Austin and Nashville (three of the greatest music scenes in the US). I saw Seth open for The Mavericks about eighteen months ago, just him and his guitar, and was excited to see this show on his schedule.

Seth Walker

Seth is an engaging performer who deserves to have larger audiences than he had last night at his first headlining show in the Boston area. The small crowd was treated to a show in which Seth gave us everything he has, pouring out his heart as if this was a sold-out show.

Seth

Seth recently released his seventh studio album, ‘Sky Still Blue’, and his set included several songs from this album which was produced by Oliver Wood (of The Wood Brothers). I thoroughly enjoyed the new songs which had some New Orleans style funk infused into them.

Seth

Seth was accompanied by Jim Starboard on drums and backing vocals and Joshua Hoag on bass. Both provided fine back-up for Seth.

Jim Starboard

Joshua Hoag

The set included ‘Back in Your Arms Again’, a song made popular by The Mavericks; I did not know that Seth wrote the song with some assistance from Raul Malo! I love that Seth’s voice coaxed some different emotions from me than Raul’s voice does. Same song, different feelings!

Seth

Also included in the set were songs that spanned Seth’s career. I recognized several of them, but I should have taken notes so I could tell you which songs they were. Instead, you will have to buy all his albums so you can get to know the depth of his music.

Seth

I want to see Seth return to Boston, but playing slightly larger venues on nights other than Tuesday (my sense is that early in the week – Mondays through Wednesdays – crowds tend to be small unless the headliner is extremely well-known). I like Atwood’s a lot – cool vibe, good food and drink, but a tiny stage with limited sight lines unless you are in the dining area in front of the stage.

Seth

Part of my job as a reviewer is to encourage you to seek out lesser-known acts and see them before they get big. That way, you can see these artists in intimate settings where they typically express their gratitude for their audiences.

Seth

Seth Walker is one of those acts you should see when he comes to a city near you.

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Joshua

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Ticket courtesy of Seth Walker; all opinions are my own.