Carlton Walker
Carlton Walker agrees that a little formal training in music has helped shape his songwriting. And a course in writing of poetry at the University of Tennessee exposed him to poetic devices he applies to his lyrics. But he feels that a degree in anthropology and his travels in 15 countries have helped broaden his musical horizons as much as anything. In fact, an adventure into the jungles of Central America inspired the storyline for his album with the captivating title, “AVERY A ROCK OPERA about a guy who writes a rock opera.”
As Carlton recalls, “It was years ago. I was doing foreign study in archaeology in Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. Little did I know that Guatemala considered Belize to be Guatemalan territory and they were preparing an invasion to take it back. So there I was in a third world country that was about to get invaded by one of its neighbors.” Sometime after he safely returned to the United States, an earthquake hit Guatemala City and Guatemala focused on recovery instead of going to war. Since then, tensions between the two countries have eased. But the thought of getting caught behind the lines in some Central American conflict never escaped Carlton Walker. Originally he had considered writing an historical novella based on that hypothetical scenario. Over time, a rock opera seemed to be the more logical vehicle to convey the story and eventually it materialized in the 20 songs that comprise Avery.
Carlton Walker did all vocals on the album and played bass, bass pedals, flute, and most of the keyboards. He cites The Who and Genesis as his main musical influences for the project. As he puts it, “Take one disc from Genesis’ The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway and one disc from The Who’s Quadrophenia and shuffle them. I wore out several copies of both those albums and they’re still rotating in my brain.” Prog rock selections like “Excerpt from Everyman” and “Hot ’n’ Humid Jungle” exemplify the Peter Gabriel-era Genesis influence. And the impact that The Who have had on him are evident in the vocals and power chords of the second track on the album, “Sundog Days.”
Carlton Walker has released Avery A Rock Opera on his own carltonwalker.com label. From his website, it’s easy to link to online stores for downloading or buying CDs. The CD is available worldwide from independent music retailer CD Baby. Those who prefer to download it can do so at indie-friendly DigStation. The adventure is only a click away and it all starts at carltonwalker.com.