Walter "Wolfman" Washington is a rare talent in the world of rhythm and blues in the 1990s. His soaring, deep soul vocals and funky, choked guitar sound are so immediately recognizable that he'd never be mistaken for anyone else. His late night sets at clubs such as New Orleans' Maple Leaf Bar are legendary. The core members of his band, the Roadmasters, have been together for over 10 years, and they're one of the tightest units in the Crescent City today. Born in New Orleans on December 20, 1943, Walter began playing guitar at an early age. By the time he was in his late 'teens, he was working with vocalist Lee Dorsey, spending two-and-a-half years on the road after Dorseys "Ride Your Pony" (on which Walter played) was a hit. The band performed all over the United States, earning Walter enough money to buy a home. Following his engagement with Dorsey, he joined Irma Thomas' touring band, the Toronados (which also included future Dirty Dozen baritone sax player Roger Lewis), working for booking agent Percy Stovall at clubs and theaters across the Gulf Coast. His last job before forming his own band was with A Taste of New Orleans, the R&B outfit led by the legendary Lastie brothers.
By the early 1970s, Walter was fronting his own band, the Solar System (for a while called the Mighty Men), and had begun a 20-year relationship backing vocalist Johnny Adams. At clubs across the Gulf Coast, Walter played his own material before supporting Johnny on his latest hits. For over 10 years, they held down a weekly after-hours gig at Dorothy's Medallion Lounge in New Orleans, developing a steady local following and a reputation as a must-see attraction for visiting R&B fans. During this time Walter recorded his first album, Leader of the Pack, for producer Senator Jones Hep' Me label.
In the mid-'80s, Walter decided to split with Johnny to concentrate on developing his own act. Signing with Rounder Records and working with producer Scott Billington, Walter recorded three acclaimed albums, Wolf Tracks, Out of the Dark and Wolf at the Door before signing a short-lived deal with Pointblank in 1991. The next few years were a testament to the dedication of Walter and the band as they struggled to stay together, recording the album Blue Moon Rising, then waiting several years before it was finally released on a small European label in 1995. Walter re-signed with Rounder's Bullseye Blues label in 1997, and his new Funk is in the House (BEYE 9599) may be his finest recording to date. As Washington and Billington joked, "It only took us 15 years to make this album!"
Special mention must be made of Walters current band, the Roadmasters. Drummer Wilbert "Junk Yard Dog" Arnold began playing with Walter as a teenager some 25 years ago, when Walter allowed Wilbert to play tambourine behind his regular drummer. Since taking over the drum chair, Wilbert has become one of the funkiest drummers in a city full of funky drummers. Bassist Jack Cruz and tenor saxophonist Tom Fitzpatrick joined about 10 years ago, followed by trumpeter Larry Carter, trombonist Dave Woodard and, most recently, keyboardist Luca Fredericksen. Through financial hardship and personal tragedy, Walter has managed the Herculean feat of keeping this band together, and the spiritual/musical bond they share yields a palpable energy that infuses every performance.
Walter Wolfman Washington & the Roadmasters are now poised to take their place as one of the very best rhythm and blues bands working today. If theyve enjoyed a reputation as a cherished secret in their hometown, they've also been bypassed by the recent revival of interest rhythm and blues. With the release of Funk is in the House, Walter and the band should take their place at the forefront of the rhythm and blues echelon.