Album Notes

Music is as much about experience as anything else. Its evolution, inspiration, and creation can largely be attributed to what its authors know, think, and feel. This is as true for the members of Long Walk Home as for any musical artist, and its truth is evident with the release of the band’s full-length 2006 album, “Long Walk Home.” The self-titled album, the band’s first since 2003, is the culmination of a long and unmistakable maturation process for the young quartet of Philadelphia-based musicians.

Comprised of vocalist and lead guitarist JJ Booker, rhythm guitarist and vocalist Pete Nellius, bassist Anthony Boxler, and drummer Mark Rybaltowski, Long Walk Home has come a long way from their earliest days as a foursome. As faithful fans of LWH watched the guys take the stage in May for the Wilmington, DE Flower Market, it marked the fifth anniversary of the group’s first public show; aside from the names and the faces, however, few similarities could be seen. Gone are the days of simple lovable pop-rock songs and Weezer covers, and in their place an increasingly diverse collection of jam and blues-influenced originals can be heard. Perhaps most aptly described as an improvisational roots-rock band, Long Walk Home has turned to a combination of smooth, cohesive composition and free-flowing, ever-changing improv in order to captivate a whole new audience of listeners.

Drawing on a great deal of musical influences, as the band pays tribute to Bob Dylan, Phish, The Velvet Underground, and others with an occasional cover, LWH has transformed their sound into one that truly exemplifies rock & roll. Building on the success and popularity of their 2002 EP “The Liberation EP”, as well as their 2003 LP “Live Before You Die”, Long Walk Home has continued to develop their talents and sounds, and show improvement through each successive album.

Though never stepping away from the live music scene, JJ, Pete, Anthony and Mark have journeyed from a remarkably polished young identity as a band, and early teenage influences, into a more developed and complete musical world, all the while consistently debuting new tunes for their audiences. Having played venues such as Kahunaville and The Stone Balloon in Delaware, and The Grape Street Pub in Philadelphia (along with many others), the band is no stranger to the local music scene. With their newest album’s release, however, Long Walk Home looks to take Philadelphia and its surrounding areas by storm, as they provide a fresh new outlook and sound to established and new fans alike.