Walt Wilkins has a new record out called Vigil that unfortunately is flying a bit under the radar. The project came together as a benefit for the Longevity Foundation – an Austin-based charity supporting research into a cure for ataxia-telangiectasia, a degenrative disorder causing premature aging of the nervous and immune systems. Walt Wilkins & The Mystiqueros is a band of Austin based musicians who straddle the line between raunchy Texas bar room country rock and more sensitive singer songwriter fare. As a longtime fan of the southern group Drivin’ and Cryin’ (they of the drivin’ rockers and crytin’ ballads) I have no problem with that duality. In Texas you’ve gotta please the roughnecks and frat boys if you’re going to make it out of the roadhouse alive.
This new project has a bit more of the acoustic material since it deals with and is a benefit for a somber topic. “Gypsy Line” is a song about singing and being a bit of gypsy. It’s about the power of music and the camaraderie among troubadours. It name drops Walt’s great friend Sam Baker (I think), Buck Jones, Walter Hyatt, and Garrison White. Buy Vigil from Lone Star Music here.
Bonus:
Walt’s wife Tina Wilkins has a song that has turned up on a benefit record supporting the benefits of breast feeding (man, that’s going to increase my hits from random people doing breast searches). Also on there are songs by Kelly Willis and The Dixie Chicks. I’ve linked to a couple I like by Tina Wilkins, Tish Hinojosa and Teri Hendrix, but there are many more here and info on how to download the whole disc here.
World Enough And Time – Tina Wilkins
Eagles – Terri Hendrix
Mountain Lullabye – Tish Hinojosa
Tags: Teri Hendrix, Tih Hinajosa, Tina Wilkins, Walt Wilkins