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Thank You.

by Mare Wakefield, Performing Songwriter

Willy Porter
Available Light

Jazz, funk, folk and philosophy unite on Available Light, the latest release from Milwaukee resident Willy Porter. With a tenor that will send chills down your spine, Porter sings of hometowns, heartbreak and grass stains on a lover’s cotton dress. “These tunes were inspired by the extremes of human experience,” says Porter. “Everything from the stupidity of losing your keys to the profound loss of a family member.”

Porter’s 17-year career has seen stints on both major and indie labels—he had a modest radio hit in 1994 with “Angry Words”—but Available Light is out on Porter’s own Weasel Records. “I’m a lone wolf of sorts, so recording on my own label is a logical destination for me,” he explains. “This record didn’t have the drama that comes with a label, though the economic pressure was certainly there. But I was alone with my band on this one, and that was vital to the way the album sounds.”

Available Light is a masterpiece of subtleties. Porter’s vocals soar and sigh while organ swells throughout intricate guitar work. An accomplished guitarist, Porter was heavily influenced by the late Michael Hedges. “I hope folks check out the record with headphones on,” says Porter. “That’s how it was made, and if you don’t listen closely you’ll miss the details—like my mother-in-law’s piano. We had to haul it down to the studio, but the distant, fragile tone was perfect.”

Porter has toured with Paul Simon, Sting and Tori Amos, to name a few. While echoes of these artists can be heard in his music, Porter crafts a distinct sound on Available Light and enjoys being independent. “I want to see what the term ‘label’ morphs into,” he says. “Right now I’ve got a great team working with me. It feels right.”

From the May 2007 issue of Performing Songwriter

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