The Billy Walton Band Warms Up for the UK with SJ

From soaring leads and slamming rhythms to an interesting trick where he uses his guitar to mimic an engine revving, Billy Walton is really something.

And you're in luck–he and his band, a notoriously talented power trio whose eponymous lead singer has the kind of guitar chops that force you to take notice, are making a stop in Mt. Holly next weeek at John and Molly’s.

The one-night stop gives you the chance to see a band that plays the hottest spots around at a little shindig in our own backyard–just in time, too, because they’re leaving for England right after the show.

Walton and his band members, including manager/bassist William Paris, cut their teeth as sidemen to an up-north-a-ways Asbury Park phenomenon called Boccigalupe and the Bad Boys. As a Bad Boy, Billy sat in and played with Bruce Springsteen, Double Trouble (Stevie Ray Vaughan’s backing band) and a regular who’s who of rock royalty. Eventually, though, it became clear to them that the future lay somewhere else.

“Billy’s virtuoso ability–it was just apparent that he was amazing, and we decided to do a classic power trio,” says Paris jovially. “It opened a lot of doors for us.”

Now I’m a tough critic and rarely gush, but this band is good. Walton, at age 30, has the soul and feel of a Clapton with the technical wizardry of Malmsteen, and he blends them together in a way that doesn’t feel in the least self-satisfying or egotistical.

Combine that with very consistent drummers and Paris’ jam-band influenced bass runs, and you’ve got a combination reminiscent of Cream. No wonder that in the scant few years they’ve been doing it, they’ve opened and closed shows for Southside Johnny and Peter Frampton.

Their influences are all over the place–Billy loves Sam & Dave, Wilson Picket, anything on Chess Records, while Paris is an avowed Deadhead. Their differences are cited as a notable strength. Paris notes: “Billy’s laid back, too, and sometimes I’m the pushy salesman. We divvy up the responsibility. Coming up on our ninth tour … we’ve found an even keel, working on both sides of things.”

Whatever their formula is, it’s working. They’re doing something old and comfortable in a way that feels vital and new. “There’s a lot of history in music,” according to William Paris. “There isn’t a musician out there who wouldn’t benefit from an old Chess Records compilation. You’ve got to revisit it.”

Alright, that’s enough. Just go see them. It’s a rare opportunity to catch something before it’s huge, giving yourself the cherished opportunity to introduce it to your friends. 

The details:

Friday, Feb 11., 10 p.m., John and Molly’s—1291 Woodlane Rd., Mt. Holly

And while you’re at it, visit the Billy Walton Band online at billywaltonband.com and order their latest record, Live at the Stone Pony, for a chance to win an electric guitar signed by the band.