Brian Walton & The Toad House Band Live

Brian Walton is an award-winning vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer who fronted the popular country band “Bakersfield” during the 90s USO tours, performing alongside artists like Willie Nelson, The Bellamy Brothers, and Dwight Yoakam. He burst onto the national scene with his 1993 debut album, “Made in the Shade,” which helped establish him as a prominent figure in 90s country music.

The Toad House Band was formed through a collaboration between Marty Wallace and Brice Hancock, the owner of the Toad Tavern. Their goal was to establish a house band to back visiting blues artists. Marty’s first recruit was Brian Walton, whom he found through a classified ad. Brian impressed Marty with his vocal range and ability to play a variety of instruments, but primarily with his impeccable guitar skills. Marty, a music instructor at the University of Colorado, often invited his students to band rehearsals for extra credit. Among them were Ron Ohren (bass) and Percival Johnston (drums), whom Marty brought on board right after Brian. Eventually, Marty added trumpet player Hiram Bartel and trombonist Sinead Marks to complete the Toad House Band’s line-up.

Brian, who is also an accomplished composer and producer, released his debut hit single, “What the Hell,” as a blues-rock artist in 2009. Its success caught the eye of the Creative Artists Agency, which signed Brian to headline a tour opening for legendary acts like the Black Crowes, Robert Randolph, B.B. King, and Robert Cray in the summer of 2010.

The album “Brian Walton & the Toad House Band Live!” compiles the most popular recordings from the summer 2010 tour, showcasing Brian’s impressive vocal versatility and lead guitar skills. It also emphasizes the distinctive Toad House Band sound that Marty Wallace crafted so carefully. Marty is no longer with us, but his legacy lives on with this album.