"Walk the Dog and Light the Light" is the ninth studio album by Bronx-born singer, songwriter, and pianist Laura Nyro, released in the late summer of 1993, more than nine years after her previous album, Mother's Spiritual. It followed the 1989 live album Laura: Live at the Bottom Line, and its laidback, easygoing atmosphere is similar to that of her earlier live performances. This album would be Nyro's final collection of new original material released during her lifetime, although she began work on another album in 1994, which was eventually released posthumously in 2001 as Angel in the Dark.
Walk the Dog and Light the Light received positive critical reception, with reviewers praising its smooth, soulful sound and Nyro’s rich, smokier vocals. In support of the album, Nyro toured with a vocal harmony group, performing intimate shows that showcased the album’s easygoing style.
The album’s sound was shaped by Nyro’s collaboration with producer Gary Katz, known for his work with Steely Dan. The music on Walk the Dog and Light the Light features a soulful, polished vibe, with themes that continue Nyro’s interest in social and political issues, including feminism, animal rights, and Native American rights. The album is also notable for its relaxed, intimate mood, and its rich instrumental arrangements, which were built around Nyro’s vocals and the contributions of long-time collaborators, including percussionist Nydia "Liberty" Mata, who had worked with Nyro since the mid-1970s.
Though it did not achieve major commercial success, Walk the Dog and Light the Light was a heartfelt return to form for Nyro and stands as a testament to her enduring artistry.
