A Willy Porter concert is like an evening spent with a good friend ? who, by the way, is incredibly talented.
Porter?s casual onstage persona belies the mastery with which he plays acoustic guitar as he sings his soulful, often thought-provoking lyrics.
Funny that even after 15 years in the business and plenty of kudos from musical greats, Porter bemoans his lack of formal musical training.
“It?s important, because you can work out the problems you encounter when you write music,” Porter said. “I?ll always be a student of music.”
But certainly a straight-A student.
Not only does he pack clubs around the United States, but Porter has opened for ? and received accolades from ? renowned musicians including Ian Anderson, leader of Jethro Tull, and singer and pianist Tori Amos.
“Willy Porter?s music demonstrates admirably that the technical excellence of his guitar playing will never overwhelm the essence of the song itself,” Anderson is quoted as saying on Porter?s Web site.
“Oh ? and [he?s] a pretty damn fine singer, too. Thank goodness hedoesn?t play the flute.”
In his latest release, “Available Light,” Porter offers a slow and airy feel to the track tunes that often turns into a rock sound before returning to the softer melodies. In turn, the vocals also take on a melodic sound.
Mix that sound with Porter?s casual conversation with his audiences during shows, and you see what inspires the loyalty of his fans.
A largely self-taught musician and songwriter, Porter received his first guitar from his parents when he was in middle school.
Although they weren?t musicians, his parents appreciated how he adapted to the instrument quickly, as he had not done with his first instrument, the viola.
But Porter?s affection for the acoustic guitar did not translate to the electric. That relegated him to guitar tech, instead of player, for high school rock bands. Perhaps that was a blessing in disguise, Porter mused, because it helped strengthen his musical foundation.
IF YOU GO
» Willy Porter
» Venue: Rams Head
» Where: 33 West St., Annapolis
» When: 8:30 p.m. Friday
» Tickets: $24
» Info: 410-268-4545,
www.ramsheadonstage.com
