Walter Young Jr - Not gonna hurt me anymore

Walter Young Jr

Not Gonna Hurt Me Anymore
self-released; 2013

3.7 out of 5

By Sean Dennison

My God, Walter Young Jr.'s voice. It is deep and full of the blues, and just about every other emotionally representative color. Only four songs on the EP Not gonna hurt me anymore and that's a damn shame. You ever hear of Otis Redding? It's like Young channeled the man's spirit just long enough to record this EP.

The title track is astounding. It is a plainly delivered song about rape that, depending on your view, trivializes or captures the seriousness of the subject. Musically, the album is slow and let's the tracks breathe. Of course, Young's voice takes full control of each number. The EP seems to focus on a standard jazz sound, crossing in Otis Redding's sense of rhythm with the quiet energy of The Righteous Brothers (not quite blues but a suitable comparison in this case.

"She is my Everything" is a slow blues number that combine piano, subtle drums and bass to create a solid canvas for Young to sing over. The vocals are excellent but the harmonies he introduces are the cherry on top. "Hey Girl" follows a similar style but is more heavily influenced by 1950's pop. If the song was made 60 years ago it would have been on the radio right after "Teen Angel". He reverts to some more traditional blues with "Love Me Down". The guitar parts had just enough attitude on them to make you nod your head. When the chorus hits the song goes from an undercurrent of pent up blues  to full throttle rock.

There are a number of things to enjoy about this album. Not gonna hurt me anymore is highly recommended, that voice is just astounding.

Become A Fan