Live music review: Everyone has a story, Joshua Ray Walker has a lot of them and they’re all good

Editor’s note: Our guest writer today is Michael Maly. If you’re a regular reader, the reason you may recognize that name is the man is also a photographer who has contributed his work to this publication. Maly generously offered to put down some words for this story in addition to filing some fine looking images of gifted Texas songwriter, Joshua Ray Walker who headlined a performance at Coupland Dancehall on December 19.

If you decide you like this story, please share it on your preferred social platform and we’ll let Maly know y’all enjoyed his writing as well as his concert photography. As always, thanks for reading.

One thing that I’ve learned being a bartender, for so many years, is that everyone has a story. And it’s the people who you may least expect that have the best ones. Rising country artist Joshua Ray Walker has a story and the gifted singer / songwriter is rapidly garnering attention spinning his character driven, real life tales into well-crafted songs. Truck stop observations, boat-show girls, gas station roses, and deep personal conversations with blood relations are all on the table and JRW makes the everyday, mundane things feel a bit more real, a bit more alive. It’s something we could all use a larger dose of these days, the richness of life. Wrapped in all the classic country music elements, tinged with his connection to the occasional fuzzed out guitar, and completed with a vocal talent, rare and all natural, Joshua Ray Walker’s stories have been breathed into the eternal life of song.

Walker has been on the receiving end of accolades and an uptick in his career for this past year, being featured in the virtual pages of media standards, Rolling Stone and regionally, Texas Monthly, while taking it all on the road supporting Charley Crockett. On December 19, Walker found himself in the headline slot, bringing his cast of familiar characters to an unfamiliar stage at Coupland Dancehall, located just 30 miles northeast of downtown Austin. The rain tarnished drive to Coupland with the occasional window lit, lone house on the hill, the smell of Texas farm dirt, and the “cash only” sign at the bar signaled the perfect setting for what was about to happen.

This historic relic of a dancehall, one of the last standing, authentic dancehalls in Texas, has hosted many a rising country star. Although the couple of dozen folks (who braved the bad weather) in attendance to watch JRW perform might indicate otherwise, this was the case once again. A star-in-the-making was performing. 

This is actually familiar territory for the young artist, who has spent most of his country-music career crooning his character-driven tales in bars and dance halls for little more than beer money, entertaining some of the same personalities that he portrays so frequently in his songs.

Over the course of an hour and a half, Walker and his carefully selected band, The Texas Strangers curated a casual music conversation that covered a wide swath of his recorded material. Taking time to introduce the stories, experiences, and people that inspired so many of his songs, the show felt as intimate as hanging on the front porch with a few friends, sharing beers, enjoying the mutual appreciation for the moment.

Walker’s experience in capturing the attention of the reluctant or unsuspecting, shows in his performance on stage. Moving between uptempo, dance-floor ready selections and the more moody introspective songs, the audience was witness to the depth and range of talent that Walker and his band possess. A range of experience that brought out Walker’s lesser known ability to shred on the electric guitar when launched into fully rocking renditions of “D.B. Cooper” and “Burn It”.

Walker and his band generously welcomed the audience into their world of Texans emoting the way they do. It can feel familiar,  even uncomfortable at times, and celebratory altogether. Walker even took a moment to lead the smattering of fans in singing a heartfelt, happy birthday to the bartender on staff that evening. The man is just a genuine as his songs.

No one left early, a few took the time to dance, and it’s safe to say that all who attended have a  special, new story to share. And a motto that I have embraced completely over the past few years comes right into play…”Live A Great Story.” Joshua Ray Walker is doing just that.

Note: At time of publishing Walker had announced he or a member of his team has tested positive for COVID-19 and had to cancel his opening slot for Charley Crockett’s upcoming ACL Live performance. Lucas Hudgins has been announced as a replacement for Walker. Our best to Mr. Walker and his team for a quick return to the tour. Find upcoming JRW tour dates here including a still-listed show at Austin’s The White Horse on January 15 -Editor

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