Happy Birthday Walter Daniels!

Celebrating the birthday of Austin blues harp hero Walter Daniels with a few rockin' performances with the Del Valle Trustees. 

Walter Daniels & The Del Valle Trustees – Work Release

The latest powerhouse studio recording from blues-punk pioneer Walter Daniels and his hard-hitting band, The Del Valle Trustees is "Work Release," featuring eleven raw, electrifying tracks that blend gritty storytelling with intense instrumentation, making it a must-have for fans of garage rock, punk blues, and soulful rock 'n' roll. 

Daniels, renowned for his harmonica and nose flute performances, leads a talented lineup: Evan Whitehead (guitar, backing vocals), Kevin Curtin (mandolin, backing vocals), Scott Stewart (electric and stand-up bass, backing vocals), and Matt Hammer (drums). Engineered by Roky Moon and Kurtis D. Machler, the album captures the band’s signature sound in a raw, unfiltered style that's sure to energize listeners.

Adding even more depth, guest musicians Texacala Jones and Henri Herbert elevate select tracks to new heights—Texacala shines on "I'll Quit Tomorrow," and Henri brings piano magic to "11 Months and 29 Days." The album’s bold cover art, created by Chris Sick Moore, complements the music’s rebellious spirit. Work Release follows the acclaimed Have a Coffee Break With... LP, and showcases The Del Valle Trustees’ versatility through both originals and iconic covers, including Strychnine (The Sonics), 11 Months and 29 Days (Johnny Paycheck), and One Step Closer (Tim Kerr & Mike Carroll). Together, Chaputa! Records and Ghost Highway Recordings continue to deliver high-quality, collectible releases that celebrate authentic rock 'n' roll artistry.

Walter Daniels has been a force in the blues-punk scene since the '90s, contributing to seminal acts like Jack O'Fire, whose fiery sound redefined the genre, as well as South Filthy and Bigfoot Chester. Known for his harmonica virtuosity and fearless experimentation, Daniels continues to inspire and challenge the boundaries of rock 'n' roll. 

Get a copy of "Work Release" by Walter Daniels & The Del Valle Trustees via Bandcamp right here. Watch a few recent performances follow the album release trailer below. 

 

Walter Daniels & Del Vale Trustees return with Work Release LP in January

Austin's harp-honkin' hero Walter Daniels has his new "Work Release" album with the Del Valle Trustees issued on Jan. 17

Walter Daniels previews new album with cover of Townes Van Zandt's "Marie"

Have a Coffee Break with Walter Daniels & The Del Valle Trustees is out via Chaputa! Records on December 3rd. 

Here's the scoop...

This Austin, TX-based band is helmed by longtime punk rock harmonica player and vocalist Walter Daniels and features: Evan Whitehead (guitar – plays in Cunto! And Black Eyed Vermillion), Kevin Curtin (mandolin – plays in Cunto!, the Pleasure Tide, and Boxcutters), Scott Stewart (Upright and Electric bass – plays with Zero Skills, Inc, Pleasure Tide, and Corrine Rose), Matt Hammer (drums – Strange Boys, OBNIII’s, Wes Coleman).

Daniels is best known for his work with Jack O’Fire, Bigfoot Chester and has recorded with James Williamson, Lydia Lunch, Alejandro Escovedo, Guadalupe Plata, Henri Herbert, among many others. Daniels most recently added harmonica to a song for Barry Adamson – former member of the Bad Seeds!

Have a Coffee Break is the debut album of Walter Daniels and the Del Valle Trustees, and showcases a unique swinging band – capable of playing Country, Blues, and Punk tunes in a Texas style. Think jailhouse swing and some lively, innovative punk country rock. 

The band is planning on a tour in Fall 2022. Pre-order a copy of Walter Daniels & the Del Valle Trustees' debut album from Chaputa! Records right here. Check out their version of Townes Van Zandt's "Marie" feat. J.D. Pinkus on banjo below. 

Have a Coffee Break with Walter Daniels and the Del Valle Trustees

Side A

No One To Talk To (But The Blues) (Troy Martin & Wayne Walker)

Cold Call (WD & The Del Valle Trustees)

Marie (Townes Van Zandt)

I Can’t Get Over You (To Save My Life) (Whitey Shafer & Lefty Frizzell)

Army Of The Lord (Traditional)

Which Way To Go (Chris Gates)

Side B

Coffee Break (Traditional – Arranged By WD & The Del Valle Trustees)

Please Give Me Something (Bill Allen)

Baby Again (Billy Ed Wheeler)

The String You Wear (Jeffrey Evans)

Fifth Floor Corinth (WD & The Del Valle Trustees)

The Last Round-Up (Billy Hill)

WALTER DANIELS & THE DEL VALLE TRUSTEES:

Evan Whitehead – Acoustic and Electric Guitars and Backing Vocals

Kevin Curtin – Acoustic and Electric Mandolin and Backing Vocals

Scott Stewart – Stand-Up Bass, Electric Bass and Backing Vocals

Jarred Brown – Drums (sessions at Million Dollar Sound and the Church House)

Matt Hammer – Drums (session at Ameripolitan Studio)

Walter Daniels – Vocals, Harmonica and Nose Flute

ADDITIONAL PLAYERS:

Danny B. Harvey – Electric guitar on “Please Give Me Something”

Henri Herbert – Piano on “Coffee Break”

J. D. Pinkus – Banjo on “Marie”

Chris Gates – Background Vocals on “Which Way to Go”

Ralph White – Fiddle on “Last Round Up”