MUSIC ON THE MENU: Prez a ‘complete original

To hear a song from the “Good Energy” CD, visit the online version of this story at www.theweekender.com/music.

Info: www.myspace.com/walterprez

by Alan K. Stout
Music Columnist

Though Walter Prez, like most musicians, has a wide array of influences, he sees himself as a true original. And that’s because while he admits he incorporates the sounds of his favorite artists into his own music, he never borrows too much from just one. Rather, he tries to put his own independent stamp on everything and combine all of his influences into his recordings, which he says gives them a familiar yet fresh feel.

“When I started to make CDs, that’s what I wanted to do,” says Prez. “I didn’t want to imitate anybody. I just said, ‘I’m not going to pay any attention to anything that’s going on, or any trends. I’m just going to play what I play, write anything I want, and not try to please anybody.’ I think that’s what’s missing in music today. A lot of people, they try to imitate another artist, and they lose the originality.”

Prez’s most recent CD, “Good Energy,” was recorded with his backing band The Awesome. It was recorded by George Graham over a two-year period in 2007-09 at WVIA-FM studios in Pittston. It is Prez’s fourth album — all of which have been recorded with Graham — though he says he approached things a bit differently this time.

“I finally got a full band together for it,” he says. “The other three I basically did myself, kind of acoustic.”

Prez, 44, began playing the trumpet at age eight and moved on to the marching and stage bands in high school. He eventually moved on to guitar at about age 14 and has stayed with music ever since. He first worked with the legendary Graham in 1998 when he was part of a duo called Angelwolf. He did his first solo album with Graham in 2005. A native of Union Dale, he names acts such as T. Rex as a major influence, as well as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath Jimi Hendrix and blues artists such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and Elmore James.

“People that listen to the CDs say they can hear it all in there,” he says. “George Graham is always saying that a lot of the blues influence comes through. It’s also inspired a lot by folk and older English folk bands like Pentangle and Nick Drake, and even those that are out today like Ani DiFranco and Dar Williams.”

The Awesome includes Frank Baransky on bass, Ed Malaker on acoustic guitar, David Raymer on drums and Maryann D’Amico on lead and backing vocals and tambourine. Several other guest musicians also appear on the “Good Energy” CD. Prez penned all of the songs, which he says has always come easily to him.

“I’ve been writing since I was a little kid,” he says. “Letting things flow through you and come out of you — I don’t know where it comes from. Sometimes, I’ve got to wonder. I guess the music is in me. Sometimes I can sit down and write 10 songs, and they’ll just pour out of me.”

Prez says his songs have been inspired by the world around him, his personal relationships, items in the news and even the war in Iraq. He adds that he’s grateful to have always had the creative outlet.

“It’s a great release,” he says. “If you’re down and depressed, and you’re able to write something and come up with a song, it really just calms you down. Whatever is bothering you, some people might take a pill for it or something, but I can write it down, get it out of my system, and not worry about it. I think Johnny Lee Hooker said, ‘The blues don’t make you feel sad. It makes you feel good.’ Music is like medicine.”

Walter Prez and The Awesome’s “Good Energy” is available at Gallery of Sound stores and Embassy Vinyl in Scranton. He thinks people will be intrigued and maybe even inspired by what they hear.

“I hope they get positive stuff out of it, and it makes them feel better,” he says. “I recently went to this show, and some people showed up that I gave the CDs to. It was basically like a heavy metal concert, and these people mainly just listened to heavy metal. One guy was saying, ‘Walter, with your music, you could open for anybody from Joan Baez to Slayer. You do all of these different kinds of styles. You’ve got hard rock, folk-ish songs, blues. …’ I thought that hit the nail on the head. Even George Graham said I’m a complete original.”

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