74-year-old New Orleans veteran blues guitarist/vocalist Walter “Wolfman” Washington changes things up on his latest album, My Future is my Past, setting aside the exuberant funk-infused blues that he is primarily known for in favor of a soulful mix of late-night juke joint jazz, blues and R&B. Washington started honing his craft in his mid-teens with singing lessons from legendary R&B vocalist Johnny Adams followed by guitar. At 19, he was asked to tour with Lee Dorsey, and two years later his mentor Adams tapped him to play guitar in a relationship that lasted over 16 years. Along the way, Washington worked with other New Orleans giants including Irma Thomas and Dr. John while releasing albums under his own name and becoming a legend in his own right. My Future Is My Past is a thoughtful and understated collection of songs about the trials and tribulations of love. While Washington plays guitar, the focus is on his soulful vocals, with spare musical arrangements. Standout tracks include: the simple acoustic opener “Lost Mind”; the Irma Thomas duet “Even Now”; the Jimmy Hughes ’62 soul hit “Steal Away”; the cover of Ernie K. Doe’s “I Cried My Last Tear”; the tender solo rendition of “Save Your Love for Me”; and Doc Pomus/Dr. John tune “She’s Everything to Me.” My Future Is My Past is a spare and beautiful album that also sounds fresh and cohesive. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Johnny Adams, Dr. John, The Marvelettes, Irma Thomas