Walter Rossi is one of Canada's unsung veterans of the music scene, having been involved (without much recognition) as a musician since the mid-'60s.
Rossi's first professional gig as a guitarist was with
Wilson Pickett's the Soul Mates, then the Buddy Miles Express in the mid-'60s. He later joined the Montreal-based band the Influence in 1967. After one critically acclaimed album in 1968, the band split up and
Rossi would go on to join a variety of bands; Luke and the Apostles (1970-71), Charlee (1972), and the Bombers (1978) before becoming a studio musician and a solo performer. Over the period between 1976-1994
Rossi released five solo albums for Aquarius Records in Canada.
All the Best is the first compilation of his work from this solo period. With songs taken from all five solo albums, this compilation provides a fine introductory point for the appreciation of
Rossi's talent and guitar prowess. This release by Unidisc Records is an updated version of the 1980 Aquarius Records greatest hits package, with additional liner notes and added songs to bring it up to date. ~ Keith Pettipas