Having surpassed their goal following a successful PledgeMusic Campaign, the Billy Walton Band are ready to unleash their newest LP Soul of a Man. As they wrap up the remaining U.S. Tour dates before heading across the pond to perform in the U.K., the band continues the will hit the ground running in 2018 as they celebrate their 10 Year Anniversary!
There was a time when the Jersey Shore represented the best in American entertainment. Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, the Rat Pack, Dick Clark, Chubby Checker; they all made stops on the Jersey Shore. Levon Helm was playing the club, Tony Marts when Dylan called. Of course, we all know what happened in Asbury Park. The town, ravaged by riots in the late 60’s, became a melting pot of musical experimentation. Late night jams that ended when the sun came up were the norm. Bruce Springsteen & Southside Johnny were the two acts which made their way to an international stage from these humble beginnings.
For decades musicians have come and gone, always hoping to make a living and pursue a dream. Billy Walton is no different. Billy’s proving ground was Long Beach Island. There he was chaperoned from gig to gig by his Mom; too young to drive around and enter the clubs on his own. He was always up for a jam and looking to learn some tricks. For years Billy spent his time sharpening his skills, developing his stage act until he decided to step up to center stage with the Billy Walton Band.
Thirteen tours since 2007 have established the group in the fertile British Blues Rock scene while the band focused its effort in Europe. In 2010, Billy got the call to join in with one of the masters of the Asbury Park sound, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes. For years Billy toured with the Jukes. A high point in Billy’s tenure with the Jukes was when they recorded a live version of Southside’s most acclaimed release, Hearts of Stone, with Little Steven, who most people don’t know was the creative force behind Southside.
The band signed to Vizztone Records for the release of Wish For What You Want in 2015, which was produced by Tony Braunagel, the award-winning BMA producer and current Eric Burdon drummer.
Horns being the common thread shared by these bands, some can say Bruce Springsteen is a singer-songwriter fronting an old-school rock ‘n soul band or Southside Johnny is a soul singer fronting an old-school rock n soul band. Now they may say Billy Walton is the guitar hero fronting an old-school rock ‘n soul band as they debut Soul of a Man and continue touring throughout the U.S. and U.K.
For More on the Billy Walton Band, VISIT:
www.NewJerseyRockBand.com
Billy Walton Band Facebook Page
Twitter: @BillyWaltonBand
Instagram: @JBillyWaltonBand
