From out of the ruins of Katrina, came hope to the local musicians via Renee Cheek. She had lost her job in Real Estate, and found herself looking for a way to help. When one thinks of New Orleans, one thinks of the rich music scene. Much of the scene could have been lost if it weren't for people like Renee that took the initiative to help them.

As she was in the midst of her efforts, she tapped into her musical heritage, that was rich in her roots from Kentucky. Something that I can totally relate to, Renee like myself, had never dipped her toe into the love of music that she had inherited from her elders that were from Kentucky. Like my relatives they had played many a show on the front porch for their loved ones, and passed on the passion for music. It is through this love of music that she found her voice, and with the help of many of her friends that she created the cd Renee and the Walkaways, the Walkaway Sessions.

The name of the cd came from the fact that many of the artist did their part, and walked away. Leaving things in the capable hands of Renee and Nelson Blanchard, and David Hyde. Some of the artist that lent their talents to the cd are none other than Dr. John that brings his sound to the song “Finally Found You”, the first cut on the cd, which happens to be one of my fave. Marty Balin lends his vocal talents to the song “In the Middle of the Night”, which makes for a fabulous duet with Renee. The fifth song has that Fat's Domino sound, classic! Pete Anderson, Dwight Yoakam's best guitarist imo, offers up his signature sound to “Poor Cold Heart”, which sounds like it could have been a Loretta Lynn hit, fresh from the hills.

This cd has the classic sounds of New Orleans, mixed with a bit of country. Renee has a sweet sound that could fit in the genre of Alison Krauss. Sure it may not me my fave genre of music to get the party started, but I can appreciate it. I would like to thank Renee Cheek for her efforts to keep the sound of New Orleans alive, and expanding in yet another direction.

http://www.reneeandthewalkaways.com/