Book 7 Walkers

7 Walkers is an American rock band built around former Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann and New Orleans guitarist Papa Mali, with The Meters' George Porter Jr. on bass and Matt Hubbard on multiple instruments. The group grew out of Kreutzmann's guest spots at Papa Mali's concerts beginning in 2008, and the two made it official in 2009, adding Hubbard, a Willie Nelson sideman, and Tea Leaf Green bassist Reed Mathis. After tours in late 2009 and spring 2010, Porter stepped in on bass when Mathis returned to his other band. The self-titled album 7 Walkers arrived on November 2, 2010, featuring new songs with lyrics by longtime Grateful Dead collaborator Robert Hunter, and Willie Nelson guests on "King Cotton Blues." On some later shows, New Bohemians bassist Brad Houser and Dirty Dozen Brass Band sousaphonist Kirk Joseph covered the low end. The band's name nods to a lyric from the Grateful Dead song "The Eleven." Mixing Grateful Dead improvisation with swampy New Orleans funk and blues, 7 Walkers offer a jam-rich, groove-heavy live experience powered by a legendary rock drummer.