Walter Washington - Wolf at the Door (CD)

All Music Guide

Most of this CD from Walter "Wolfman" Washington puts the focus on his voice, which is reminiscent of a young Ray Charles. The horn arrangements look back toward 1960s Motown, and five of the six tracks fall squarely into the idiom of pre-disco RB, with touches of funk and gospel. "Peepin'" is a bit of a surprise, a minor-toned instrumental with Tom Fitzpatrick's soprano in the lead and some nice George Benson-ish guitar by Washignton. Even better are the last three tracks: the joyful blues "Tailspin," a minor blues ("At Night In the City"), and a bluesy ballad ("Don't Say Goodbye"). Wolfman Washington's versatility is quite impressive, making this a fairly memorable recording.

- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide