Will Porter News

December, 2004

The NY Blues & Jazz Society has entered the debut release of singer-songwriter Will Porter, titled "Happy" on the All Star label, in The Blues Foundation's “Best Self Produced CD” competition. Initially, Porter thought he wasn't eligible to compete. Although Porter executive produced the complete recording, the legendary Wardell Quezergue arranged and produced the sessions recorded in New Orleans. Quezergue’s other recent project, the new Dr John on Blue Note, was just nominated for The Grammy. These were his last two projects, worked on as he was going blind.

Apart from Porter’s soulful vocals, the CD features New Orleans’ top rhythm section, and cameo appearances by Billy Preston, Leo Nocentelli (Meters), Atlantic/Stax Soul Queen Barbara Lewis, The Louisiana Philharmonic Strings, and Mic Gillette (Tower of Power) leading Porter's horn section. The extraordinary production efforts are further enhanced with mastering by Gavin Lurssen, who is the only winner of a mastering Grammy (for the "Brother Where Art Thou?" soundtrack).

      The CD has slowly produced a buzz in the industry, because Porter was encouraged to not sign a distribution deal, therefore it has taken a while for the CD to be distributed to the media. Positive reviews have appeared in: Blues Revue, New Orleans' OFFBEAT, Baton Rouge's The Advocate, with forthcoming articles due in GOLDMINE, the UK based JUKE BLUES, and other periodicals. 

      Porter, originally from West Virginia, is a critically acclaimed live performer who has spent decades as bandleader and musical director for many R&B legends. From gospel work as a child, through gigs billed with Skip James and Rev Gary Davis and then leading bands for Motown and Stax stars, including recent shows with the great Billy Preston.  Before entering the studio for his own project, he had years of club, concert and festival appearances, including multiple appearances at the prestigious San Francisco Blues Festival.

    After months of pocket radio airplay (in Blues, Jazz, Deep Soul and "alternative" formats), in November 2004 "Happy" was added to dozens of nationwide play-lists. Porter was also added to several "Best of" play-lists, reaching as high as the third most played release of the month.

The word is getting out about Will Porter, as major label discussions are ensuing. All nominations for the Blues Foundation “Best Produced CD” award come from recognized affiliated Blues Societies from around the world, and the winner will be announced the first weekend in February as part of the weekend (IBC) festivities in Memphis TN. Stay tuned!