By Larry Nager
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Tracy Walker

Tracy Walker has been one of Cincinnati's finest singer-songwriters since she co-founded the duo Ain't Helen in the mid-'90s. But it was her 1998 solo debut, Naked, that established her own voice. Friday she releases her new CD, All This Time, a set of original jazz-influenced folk-pop. A few days ago, she took time out for a coffee, a cookie and a few questions.

Why did you make "All This Time"?

I couldn't not make the new album. I had the songs, wanted to put them out and it was past the time I really wanted to do it. It's been five years (since Naked). My mother was ill and died and that slowed me down quite a bit and then we had to come up with the money and the personnel to get the album done.

Why do you sing?

I sing because I can. I've always been musical, whether I sang or I clapped my hands, played guitar and saxophone. I'd sing throughout the day. And I've always written, so I wanted to express that.

Music can sometimes be healing, but it's just very helpful, not only for me to do it, but for people to hear it. It's a way to connect with people.

Best gig ever?

IF YOU GO

What: Tracy Walker's CD release concert Where: Southgate House (24 E. Third St., Newport; 859-431-2201). When: 9 p.m. Friday How much: $10 advance; $12 day of show. Read the CD review: Friday in Weekend

Opening for Joe Cocker at Riverbend this summer. It was great to be on that stage. It was great to be opening for somebody with that kind of career and history. And it was also great to be with the band doing some of the new songs.

Worst gig ever?

It was with Ain't Helen and KC (Phelps). I played at a fish fry during the Winter Olympics with Nancy Kerrigan. So they had a big screen TV on and they were watching the Olympic skating while we were singing, and the only one who was paying attention to us was this 4-year-old girl.

What's the last CD you listened to?

Over The Rhine's Good Dog, Bad Dog.

Favorite place in Cincinnati to eat?

Mullane's (723 Race St., downtown; 381-1331).

As an artist, why do you stay in Cincinnati?

There's a lot of opportunity in the city to develop what I'm doing. And then it also is a really central hub, so I can get to other areas - Chicago and Detroit and a lot of other cities - real easily from here.

What's the one thing you'd change about Cincinnati?

Put it on the ocean.