GENEVIEVE WALKER -
Walking Home
2015
Viola
Sweep
Chant
Walking Home
Genevieve is known for her work with Grammy nominated Kirtan artist Krishna Das, and the Juno nominated group The Stars, among many other artists..
This is her first solo recording. Special guests include: Rebecca Foon (Thee Silver Mt. Zion), and Morgan Doctor (the Cliks, Andy Kim)
Produced by CHRIS GARTNER
Genevieve Walker-violin, viola, guitar, piano, voice, banjo, glockenspiel
Chris Gartner-bass, banjo, voice, glockenspiel, electronics, ukelele
Rebecca Foon-cello
Morgan Doctor-percussion
Tashi Elias Wolfe-Heartbeat (track 5)
Mastered by Taras Petryk
Walking Home, which features Genevieve on multiple instruments, is the soundtrack of a traveler’s walk home. Starting with the inspiration of everyday sounds from around the world, such as Haleakala’s silence, and cicadas in the Grecian morning.
The songs were built upon these simple sounds and woven into string laden compositions to create a sonic lushness supported by minimalism. Walking Home resonates as both atmospheric and nostalgic, lonely and peaceful.
reviews:
“As soon as I heard your music, it was recognizable as you: beautiful, deeply virtuosic, warm, positive, but with a hint of melancholy. Just amazing.
— Torquil Campbell
“WOW!!! It is so amazing…totally loved it.
Falling is my fave.
— Krishna Das
“This is truly a gift for your ears and your heart
— Nina Rao
video for the track "Train North"
Interview with Genevieve
"Here is an album I have been loving from the first listen, taken in completely by its rustic charm, calming voice, and heartwarming honesty. Genevieve Walker plays violin, viola, guitar, piano, banjo, and glockenspiel on Walking Home, working threads of folk, bluegrass, and chamber music into these tapestries, their own unique colors adding to the blend. Walker notes that these pieces take their initial cues from simple sounds, from the swish of a broom to, charmingly, the beating of her son’s heart.
From what I can hear they’re not used overtly—if they exist as more than inspiration—but however she chooses to translate them into the music, it works. The violin is the star of the show, however, whether it’s singing in lilting trills or sighing across the strings to draw out long, melancholic lines. Her playing is fluid and heartfelt, reaching out to create a real, direct connection to the listener. The album begins with the casual stride of the title track, lead on the road by acoustic guitar and given sure feet by the low weight of Rebecca Foon’s cello. Pizzicato notes give it a little extra joy (which they also bring to “Cicadas And Light”).
“Embryonic Voyage,” the song with its basis in her son’s heartbeat, is of course one of the happiest, most vibrant pieces here. It dances along with an almost gypsy-like undertone, the heartbeat taken up by light hand percussion. Banjo adds more of that rustic smile to the sound. In her quieter moments, Walker mines deep for strong emotions. “Sweep” is slow and graceful, approaching minimalism in its bare construction. But every note speaks, ringing with something very true. “Falling” is where we hear the strongest sense of a chamber music influence, a small ensemble of strings playing a delicate interweave of lines and using the thoughtfulness of the pause to great effect.
This is an absolutely enchanting album, and you may be surprised, upon listening, to find that it only covers 40 minutes. Time just excuses itself and steps out of the room as Walker spins her scenes, this traveler’s voyage fully taking over your awareness. Beautifully played and more than happy to pull at your heartstrings and also tell you a story or two, it consistently reward you for giving it your ear. This debut album introduces us to a fantastic new voice in acoustic contemporary instrumental music, and I am very much looking forward to what comes next from Genevieve Walker."
"Walking Home is produced by Chris Gartner and features Genevieve Walker on violin, viola, guitar, and piano. It is her debut recording after spending years on the international stage with other acclaimed musicians such as Krishna Das.
The music is referenced as minimalist which I can agree with however the combination of instruments creates beautiful soundscapes. The atmospheres are inviting and bring you a sense of calm and peace within.
The cover of the CD can project many images for the listener. It looks simple enough with the artist on a dirt road holding her instrument (walking home?). The orientation to Walking Home could be your own road in life or home and then it could be a physical or spiritual place held deep within your soul. I think for the most part the human race is so caught up in their daily lives and events happening around them that we tend to forget our place and from whence we came. It gets more difficult to find that place of enlightenment and recharging we so desperately need sometimes. This music brings things back to basics.
I found “Embryonic Voyage” to be very interesting. It is very rhythmic in nature and something as simple as the snapping of fingers changes the entire song. Simplicity rules yet it manages to get your attention while still making the track seem more every day without complexities. These are things we all need to hear after a busy day. The little things in life can make a difference. If you experience the voyage within the song and look at what the word embryonic indicates, it totally makes sense. It is a start, a beginning that leads to something more.
“Falling” offers the beauty of emotion even if there is sadness. The music paints the colors of drama and the aching heart as it falls to the bottom of your stomach. Even so the music certainly carries hope and the awesome beauty of it shows the light shining at the end of a journey, like a beacon brightly leading the way.
The emotion of this music is apparent at every turn. It really could be an effective soundtrack for the right movie or serve as a guide post for your soul to align with your thoughts and bring clarity. It is all instrumental so the absence of words allows for complete focus and reflection hence bringing a renewal to your spirit.
“Mountain Refuge” is the important closing number. As you picture a place where you can go to find your peace it’s not hard to imagine. A place like Tibet where the Dali Lama and his followers learn to become one with their creator came to mind quickly. The beginning and end of the track has the echoing voice of those chanting to find their focus and connection to a higher power. It is a beautiful way to close out the recording but once you think it’s over the laughter of a child comes in to remind you of that innocence we all once had and how it can be easily recalled with the right attitude and music.
I found all of the musical multitasking of the artist quite impressive. Genevieve Walker has a great start to a solo career with Walking Home there is no doubt about that. Take a walk with her, you never know what you may discover.