WALTER PARKS & THE UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY
As a full 6 piece band or a trio, The Unlawful Assembly reimagines and tributes historic spirituals and hymns which universally inspire, empower and unite. Leader/guitarist/singer Walter Parks, longtime sideman to Woodstock legend Richie Havens, is joined by featured artists drummer/producer Steven Williams, Ada Dyer on vocals who’s currently touring worldwide with Bruce Springsteen and/or Andrae Murchison on trombone.
In one live-concert experience The Unlawful Assembly entertains and informs while successfully melding roots music of divergent origins. The soundtrack to American black history – old-school spirituals, gospel, blues, and prison work chants intertwine with swamp hollers, shaped-note hymns and Appalachian reels of white homesteader origin.
Parks' native northeast Florida swampy feel borrows from southern rock, jazz, early 70’s soul and few gospel interpretations that rest joyfully upon a foundation of modern electronic loops.
Reimagined covers and traditionals include: “Wade In The Water”, “Follow The Drinking Gourd”, “Down By The Riverside”, “Steal Away”, “Old Blind Barnabas”, “Amazing Grace”, “Higher Ground” and “Early In The Mornin’”. Walter contributes “Georgia Rice” and a co-write with Stan Lynch of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers on “Shoulder It”.
“Impressive Attention to Detail on a Melting Pot of Old, New, and Authentic Roots Songs.”
“Walter Parks’s examination of the spirituals that built American roots show the guitarist has a historian’s head and the gravitas to pull this music off. After hearing tracks like “Early in the morning” anything else you listen to that day will sound hopelessly lightweight.”