Willy Porter

Willy Porter

Capturing the magic of an outstanding live artist isn’t always easy. Case in point: Willy Porter. An enduringly popular club act in the Upper Midwest, this talented singer/songwriter has never quite hit his stride in the studio. His 2002 self-titled release made definite progress in this direction, though, thanks in part to a more smartly-tailored production approach. Porter’s secret weapon has always been his sparkling guitar touch, and on this album there’s enough of it (particularly on “Breathe”) to satisfy the faithful. The bohemian charisma of his vocal style is in evidence as well, lending a raffish charm to songs like “Dirty Movie” and “How Did You Know?” He’s especially effective when he shows some desperation — “Everything But Sorry” and “Dandelion On The Minefield” crackle with restlessness. A number of tunes bring to mind Elvis Costello’s more sensitive moments, particularly the poignant “Dishwater Blonde.” Willy Porter’s tracks benefit from sharp support, with guests like Tony Levin on bass and Ian Anderson (!) on flute lending some fine accents. True, the album doesn’t entirely translate the freewheeling gypsy air that Porter radiates on stage, but still it’s a leap forward by an artist always worth hearing.

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