These days a lot of music lovers look back to the classic rock bands of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, long before auto-tune, virtual instruments, copy & paste recording and manufactured musical acts born out of TV competitions and think - “They don’t make ‘em like that anymore!”

 

Well then, let us introduce you to Northern California’s proof that sometimes, they do! - ‘Walking Tall’.

 

An all original blend of Rock / Classic Rock and Country Rock sounds, ‘Walking Tall’ is definitely defined by its songs - Relatable, memorable and melodic. . . they are often compared to ‘These Days’ era Bon Jovi and the Eagles in style and sound.

 

‘Walking Tall’ is based around the many talents of just two people - ‘Bret Santti’ and ‘James Tuttle’. Both are lead vocalist’, songwriters and multi-instrumentalist’ that perform the bulk of instrumentation on their records. They are rounded out on record with Rascal Flats’ Jim Riley on Drums and Percussion, Multi-instrumentalist Mike Walter on Harmony vocals and a few special guest’. Live they employ a versatile backing band which allows Bret and James the freedom to change instruments as they wish.

 

The duo’s latest album release ‘Life Happens Here (Remixed/Remastered)’ released worldwide on August 20th, 2021 follows what they call the original, rushed and unfinished limited release from 2019. Due to the covid pandemic and unable to perform live, they seized the opportunity to pull the record, finish it to their satisfaction and reissue. Some alternate takes were used and everything was remixed and remastered. In the process, they recorded two brand new songs for it - “It’s All About Love” and “Every Day”. Both songs are being issued as singles in alternate versions.

 

‘Life Happens Here’ is a profound musical statement that centers itself on timeless songs with universal themes that touch on all aspects of the human condition and experience.

There's a common thread throughout that unites the 15 tracks, just as it does all our lives. The result is a very listenable unintended concept album about life and time. One that if you have a pulse, you can relate to. Up tempo feel good rockers like “These Are The Good Times” (Co-written with multi-Platinum / Diamond award winning hit songwriter - Andre Pessis), “Is That All There Is”, “Wounded”, “I Wouldn’t Change A Thing” to Profound, moving tracks like “Time Is The Enemy”, “Life Happens Here”,  “Unreachable” and “If These Walls Could Talk”, to other stand outs like “The Last Goodbye”, “Every Day”, “My Time” and “It’s All About Love”. . . 

 

Bret and James first met when they were just 17 years old and through the years with a mutual respect, they ran parallel of one another in various bands with varying results of up and down successes. Their collective stories and experiences could fill volumes. Finally years later, after many others had fallen to the wayside, they looked to each other as that possible missing link and decided to try writing together and the rest is well, you know. They Formed ‘Walking Tall’ in 2014. Since then this duo/band has two previous releases - Vol 1 and Vol 2 and a handful of non album singles including their outstanding cover of the ‘Seals and Crofts’ classic ‘Summer Breeze’ (July 2020) and a standout all original Christmas song ‘It Just Wouldn’t Be Christmas (Without You)’ (Dec. 2019)

 

With the brief release of the original ‘Life Happens Here’ (2019) behind them the new album ‘Life Happens Here (Remixed/Remastered)’ (2021) as it was intended brings it all together and establishes this band as one to watch moving forward.

 

They are already writing for the next album due in 2022 and are looking into getting back on the live stage and touring possibilities throughout 2022/23

 

 

‘Walking Tall’ is a mindset and a lifestyle as much as it is a musical act. While others chase trends and follow, these guys are secure just being who they naturally are. Sometimes it’s not the easiest route, but there will be no backing down and no apologies made after all, they are ‘Walking Tall’. . .  

 

James Tuttle

 

LEAD & HARMONY VOCALS / LEAD & RHYTHM GUITARS / SLIDE GUITAR /ACOUSTIC GUITARS / BASS GUITAR.

 

A prolific songwriter and consummate entertainer. Jimmy’s approach to songwriting is autobiographical and direct. Whether it’s his songwriting, smooth vocal stylings or his melodic guitar playing, James always has a strong sense of melody and is always about the song. 

 

Co-writer of all songs / Co-producer / Co-Engineer. 

 

- Aside from Lead and Harmony vocals, lead and Rhythm Guitars, James Handles Harmony vocal arrangements and also played a majority of the Bass Guitar on the record, as well as Slide Guitar, Acoustic Guitars and all Acoustic Guitar Solos. 

 

 

Bret Santti

 

LEAD & HARMONY VOCALS / LEAD & RHYTHM GUITARS / ACOUSTIC GUITARS / PIANO / HAMMOND B3 / KEYBOARDS / BASS GUITAR.

 

A gifted songwriter and a charismatic presence on stage. Brets approach to songwriting is multifaceted and deep. With his songwriting prowess, raw lead vocals and multifaceted musicianship, Bret always plays with feeling, attitude and just for the song. 

 

Co-Writer of all songs / Producer / Engineer / Mix Engineer. 

 

 - Bret shares Lead and Harmony Vocal, Lead and Rhythm Guitar and Acoustic Guitar Responsibilities. He plays all Piano, Hammond B3, Organ and keyboard parts. Handles Horn and String Arrangements. Bret also plays Bass Guitar on “Unreachable’, “Is That All There Is”, “Wounded”, “I Wouldn’t  Change A Thing” and “Every Day” . . .