The Walking Cane Band

Austin "Walkin' Cane" Charanghat possesses the most powerful voice one could hope to hear. His deep, rich blues style emits pure soul and breathes life into the many albums he has appeared on (including two of his own). Outstanding guitar, slide guitar and Dobro skills, in conjunction with these powerhouse vocals and a lot of hootin' and hollerin', have made Austin "Cleveland's favorite frontman." A soul stirring blend of stylistic integrity and originality is his gift to the world.
The group, Walkin' Cane, is completed by Cleveland's most sought-after rhythm section the Bad Boys of Blues. This guitar, bass and drum unit has backed virtually every great blues performer in Northeast Ohio. They have released two albums of their own and have become Charanghat's permanent band mates.
Mike Barrick is the group's "multi-purpose man." After ten years of touring and recording in Asia, Europe and the U.S., he has become a seasoned bassist, vocalist and trumpeter. Barrick's vast musical education and experience have nurtured his incredible writing, arranging, teaching and performance abilities. He is a first-call studio performer in Ohio, appearing on many blues, jazz, country and commercial recordings with various artists.
The passionate and colorful guitar work of Michael Bay adds a beautiful depth to the group's sound. From subtle, textural flow to joyful rage, he has created what is becoming Cleveland's blues guitar sound. Instructing nearly a hundred guitar students each week and performing twenty to thirty nights a month, his guitar seldom leaves his hands. There is a bond between Michael and his guitar; a command and trust that must be heard to be believed.
Over twenty years of musical study have given drummer, Jim Wall, total control of his instrument. He has toured the U.S. with various groups and appeared on many blues, jazz, country, rock and commercial recordings. Wall earned a Bachelor's Degree from Berklee College of Music and has written, arranged and produced for several CD releases. Jim provides a rock-solid groove adorned by a flow of creative embellishments. His style unites the group into a tight, cohesive, interactive unit.
With a huge repertoire of cover and original material, and a solid dedication to satisfying an audience, Walkin' Cane is destined to please music lovers of all ages and cultures for a long time to come.

Awards
Buddy Guys Legends & Guitar Player
Walkin' Cane - Best Unsigned Blues Band
(Top 5 From Over 150 Applicants Nationwide)
Performances at Buddy Guys Legends, Chicago, IL. 2000

Citysearch.com
Austin "Walkin' Cane" Charanghat - Best Instrumentalist
(2000 Audience Winner)

Free Times Awards
Walkin' Cane - Best Blues Band Finalists 2002, 2001, 1999
Austin "Walkin' Cane" Charanghat - Best Guitar Finalist 1998

Scene Magazine
Walkin' Cane - Best Blues Band Finalists 2001
Accomplishments
2000, 1998, 1997 "Walkin' Cane" Performs at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum's American Music Awards Honoring Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Jimmy Rodgers
Critic's Corner
""One of the most spontaneous and energetic blues albums this reviewer has heard in recent years."
The Amplifier: Gibson Musical Instruments Magazine

"Nobody Knows You (When You're Down & Out)' is given another twist here, and it's a far more credible rendition than the one appearing on Clapton's Unplugged."
Scene Magazine

"...Dedicated to good ol'barrelhouse blues. From the lazy bottleneck slide to the wailings of harp, this is the genuine thing."
Jazz & Blues Report

"...Head and shoulders above the rest. Every player in the band is strong and road tested."
Big City Blues

"...As diversely crafted a set of music on record that you will find anywhere."
Jam Nite News

"Good work from Bad Boys."
The Plain Dealer