By Patte Purcell
Darryl Fitzgerald Walker is one of those artists whose talent showed at an early age. At the age of 2 his mother noticed him standing in front of the TV singing along with the Ed Sullivan show. That was the beginning. He joined band in Jr. High and High School then went into the Army and took his sax with him.
When he got back he started playing in bands and landed an 8 album deal with A & M Records, which ended after 1 album when A&M transitioned into Motown.
He kept on playing and landed a job with Boeing Aerospace where he worked for 22 years. In 2010 he decided to resign and devote to his career in music.
This is where Greg Adams came in. Greg was looking for a vocalist for East Bay Soul and went through a list of singers without finding anyone he could synch with. Finally, he and his wife and manager Andrea, listened to Darryl and knew they’d found the right one.
Not only is Darryl the vocalist for East Bay Soul but he blows a mean Sax and adds that extra oomph that East Bay Souls horn section is known for.
His addition to East Bay Soul was the catalyst for his solo career. Darryl’s soulful voice and his classy presence make him the distinctive lead for East Bay Soul. That in turn has jump started his solo career. He’s a writer and singer and has released an LP with 5 songs including “Hold Me” which has been #1 for 10 weeks on the UK charts.
He is adding 3 additional cuts and will be releasing his CD with 10 songs by early 2016. His goal is to become a national recording act and he would love to tour including Europe.
He’s had sold out shows at Spaghettini’s and 98 Bottles in San Diego and has a show on July 25 with smooth jazz guitarist Blake Aaron at Club 19.
Darryl also performs cover tunes on corporate gigs under the name “Haute Chili”. He travels with an A List level of celebrity musicians for events. He’s been to Hawaii 3 times and has 2 more visits before the end of 2015. His girlfriend April Doyle started the corporate band 22 years ago and it includes up to 22 band members depending on the need. They’ve done some high profile events including opening for the Dallas Cowboys with their new stadium. They even played the Vanity Fair Oscar after party.
His future goals include touching people with the gift of song and he’s very serious about writing and producing more music. His song “Here We Are” on YouTube shares who he is. He loves the friendship and camaraderie of collaborating with new people. He just rejoined the Recording Academy and is very active in the music world.
When I asked him what he’d like to say to his fans, he said he would like to thank everyone for their devotion. He feels it’s important to acknowledge that people choose to come to his performances and he appreciates what they are doing for him. It enables him to do the work he loves to do.
For more info go to www.darrylfwalker.com
Darryl will be working his magic at the Summer Jazzfest Monday, July 27 from 5-10 pm at the Hacienda Cantina and Beach Club in Palm Springs. Greg Adams and East Bay Soul are headlining. Joe Baldino and Band with special guest national blues sensation Deanna Bogart will be performing along with Slim Man and his band. VIP tickets are $50 in advance and General Admission are $20. $10 more day of the party. Contact Patte Purcell 702-219-6777 for tickets.
