Chicago singer/songwriter Ryley Walker’s latest effort is a complete reinterpretation of Dave Matthews Band’s The Lillywhite Sessions – an unreleased and atypically downbeat album Matthews recorded in 2000. Walker’s technical guitar work, penchant for jazz, and skill for creating mood result in a polished and muted gem. Notable tracks include: the Sea & Cake-esque take on “Busted Stuff”; the feedback-drenched “Diggin’ a Ditch”; a psychodramatic take on “Bartender”; the psychedelic-tinged “Monkey Man”; the jazzed-up instrumental version of “Sweet Up and Down”; the free-jazz skronky breakdown jam “JTR”; and the hazy “Grey Street.” Walker takes a dozen wildly different approaches to each of Lillywhite Sessions’ songs. Some songs are entirely rearranged while others are more straightforward takes, but no matter how far he strays from the originals, he’s made every effort to stay true to the spirit and the band who wrote them. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Dave Mathews Band, Steve Gunn, Cass McCombs, William Tyler