Michael Walker has been writing, singing and performing locally ever since I can remember. His longevity is clearly due to the fact that he works hard at his craft and folks like what they hear. But try to describe his music and you’ll soon realize that this guy can’t (and won’t) be pigeonholed. Example? “The Great Reality” the opening cut and title to his new CD smacks stylistically and vocally of ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) yet four cuts later we’re treated to the beautiful fingerstyle instrumental “Summer Snow” only to be followed by the funky groove of “White Rain.” Though my personal preference is the acoustic tracks it is interesting to hear the direction he takes on his electric tracks like the fuzz guitar of “Heart of Stone” where it’s obvious Walker enjoyed playing lead guitar god. In the production department the recording seems heavy on the reverb, particularly on the backing vocals but given “The Great Reality” is a one man job, that’s a pretty minor nit in a great big package. Regardless of the style of music you like you’re sure to find something that will please you. - Stewart Levett, the Black Rose Acoustic Society
 

Mike Walker CD Review "The Great Reality"

A One Man Show, a One Man Band, how does this guy do it? It’s difficult to review so many thoughtful compositions. Let me try.

Flawless orchestration and vocal arrangements that make me think of John Lennon. Very clean, innovative and at times piercing guitar licks that are Walker’s forte.

Instrumentals, keyboards, soft and hard Rock and Roll- this disc is loaded.

If I could, I would have made two albums out or this one. It speaks of Friends and Lovers and then topical tunes from a new world. Walker sprinkles them together. Just when he’s got us angry or sad we’re brought back to the purpose of life- to love. Love songs seem to pour from his heart to his pen.

You’ll want to leave this album playing in the background of an entire day- there is so much in here. With hidden messages, at times you’re sure he’s talking about you. You’ll be drawn in and involved by this impassioned storyteller.

Someone get this guy a Backup Band so he can take this show on the road.  Bob Doyle, President Mountain Acoustic Music Association

"Thoughtful tunes with an upbeat hint of rock and roll that seems to sneak in from Mike's past. Beautiful guitar work, strong vocals, interesting fills. My favorites: Grow Young Together and Horse Boys." Linda Wagner, Mountain Acoustic Music Association

"Colorado’s Michael Walker is a country folk/rock artist with a knack for writing catchy songs, blending vocal harmonies and writing innocently romantic lyrics. His self-titled CD is his first recording, and although the production is a bit rough, I can definitely hear the potential.

"...thanks again for coming up to play at the Park this summer. We all really enjoyed your music..." Amy Duggins, Park Naturalist, Colorado State Parks

"Somewhere Between, now playing at a local town radio 'Radio Milo' in Mol, down the border with Holland. Your CD sounds to me like day and night, like sun and rain. I have quite some problems with the first 6 songs, okay not bad, but not good enough for me, I listen on instincts. This part of the CD sounds like easy pop, I also hear little things on the voice, the music that doesn't sound natural... But then something very strange happens, from track 7 on it seems that just another Mike Walker is singing, playing!! From 7 the songs are more rootsy, the music explodes more, your voice is more stable, let's say everything sounds so natural. Now I can hear a real singer songwriter with songs that perfectly fits in my radio show!! So I selected all tracks after 6 for airplay. My absolute favorite track is 13. Thanks for the great second part of your CD!!" Ray en Elly Pieters-Dreesens, Leopoldsburg, Belgium

Walker has a sweet tenor voice that fits the scenes of love and spiritual connections with nature that he sings about. Most of these songs have an easygoing tempo, but he varies the pace a bit with tracks like "Late Night Tony,” a quick jump into country rock with a very impressive electric guitar solo at the bridge. (The party sounds and voices left on the end of this track are a nice touch, giving it a spontaneous feel.)
This is a promising debut and will have a special appeal to country music fans who prefer a simple, honest style of songwriting with lyrics that touch the heart." Jennifer Layton, Indie-Music.com

"One reason for the success of [The Downtown Open Air Music Program] was an artist by the name of Michael E. Walker. Michael has a beautiful voice and plays an equally beautiful guitar. His choice of music was perfect for setting a relaxed tone among strollers on the sidewalk. And in terms of managing the program, Michael's professionalism was unmatched by others in the program. - Beth Spokas, Executive Director, Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs. 

"If there's a "Colorado sound" it's most likely made up of acoustic guitar, tight harmonies and lyrics that show a love of the mountains and sky. Woodland Park musician Michael E. Walker has the Colorado sound to a T. The folk/country songs show off his fancy fingerwork on acoustic guitar and buttermilk-smooth, inviting vocals. The tunes reflect his love of nature, as in "Moon Over the Mountains," the usual struggles of relationships in "Begging for Resolution," wild good times in "Horse Boys" and tender love in "Grow Young Together." The Gazette, Go!, July 22, 2000  "Walker performed for the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce during our 1999 summer entertainment program. He was well received by visitors to the downtown area of Manitou Springs. ...I have received requests for Michael to return next year." - Regina Duncan, Executive Director, Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce "My CD player is smokin' from playing your wonderful music so much... It was very enjoyable listening to you in such a beautiful setting." - A Fan

"Local musician Michael Walker has taken on a number of tasks that most of us wouldn’t even contemplate doing; writing, arranging, playing multiple instruments, recording and engineering their own CD. This is not an easy task. Just ask anyone who’s done any recording. The results are a clean recording of original folk/pop tunes. He lists Dan Fogelberg, John Denver, James Taylor and Neil Young as influences but upon listening to “Walker” and what I hear is Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac fame. And, to me anyway, that’s a good thing." Stew Levett, The Black Rose Acoustic Society, September, 2000