Voted musician of the year in his native Wisconsin, Willy Porter combines stellar guitar skills with a gruff sincerity to create convincing songs about love, loss, and mystery. Not easy to pigeonhole, Porter has the tale... more »nt that fits Six Degrees Records' stated goal of "breaking down the walls between the genres, creating unique, accessible recordings that combine elements from many worlds." Elements in Porter's songs range from earthy, heartfelt pop to mild funk imbued with a twinge of country. His primary appeal is his voice, which has a little Darius Rucker, a little Tracy Chapman, and a lot of earnest conviction. On Falling Forward's only instrumental cut, "Road Bone," his 12-string workout recalls the work of Leo Kottke and John Fahey. Willy Porter is a musician with a lot going for him. --Wally Shoup« less
Voted musician of the year in his native Wisconsin, Willy Porter combines stellar guitar skills with a gruff sincerity to create convincing songs about love, loss, and mystery. Not easy to pigeonhole, Porter has the talent that fits Six Degrees Records' stated goal of "breaking down the walls between the genres, creating unique, accessible recordings that combine elements from many worlds." Elements in Porter's songs range from earthy, heartfelt pop to mild funk imbued with a twinge of country. His primary appeal is his voice, which has a little Darius Rucker, a little Tracy Chapman, and a lot of earnest conviction. On Falling Forward's only instrumental cut, "Road Bone," his 12-string workout recalls the work of Leo Kottke and John Fahey. Willy Porter is a musician with a lot going for him. --Wally Shoup
"Falling Forward reaches that perfect balance of production and vitality that creates an accurate and supurb picture of the talent of one (in my opinion) of America's greatest singer/songwriters. Falling Forward is a solid album all the way from the first note of Mystery to the last chord of Somebody Else. It is chocked full of the purely blinding guitar talent that Willy Porter wields so gracefully. This next evolutionary step in Willy's music is just stunning. It has beautifully crafted and thoughtfull lyrics combined with the afore mentioned trademark guitar work. Definately worth haveing. See this artist live if you possibly can! Buy all of his albums! Go out of your way, it will be worth it! http://www.willyporter.com"
3rd Time's a Charm
dr_angi | Milwaukee, WI USA | 01/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"An amazing performer, not just a recording artist, Willy Porter's live shows are warm, memorable and always offer something new. The same is true of his albums. Willy's warm soothing voice has a husky quality which sounds richer than ever on this latest release. His band adds a textured accompaniment but still leaves room to showcase Willy's skills on guitar. There are some great tracks here, the first 4 being immediate favorites, but every track on this album offers something to remember. The lyrics are full of lingering images, the guitar-picking on Road Bone dazzling. Lilting rhythms on Sowelu add to its floating feeling carried by the chorus "Fly butterfly...into the sky..." Buy this album now, you'll love it. But see him live, he'll leave you awe-struck."
Like hearing Mozart perform
Roger Townsend | Houston, TX USA | 07/18/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been blessed to see Willy Porter in concert four times in the past few months. He is an incredibly (I use that word literally) great acoustic guitarist, a marvelous singer, and a gifted songwriter. He also has an excellent sense of humor from the stage, and seems to be (from a few conversations I've had with him) to be a really nice, self-deprecating guy. He is definitely the most talented young musician I have heard/seen in my nearly half century of living. This album highlights his singing and songwriting. Backed by a band, his tremendous guitar work is somewhat stifled on many of the songs. Nevertheless, it is an album that I play several times a week because of its sheer beauty. After the last concert at which I saw him, my friends and I decided that this must be what it felt like watching Mozart perform. I encourage you not only to listen to this CD, but also to see Willy live whenever you can. His talent is essentially unlimited, as Jeff Beck, Paul Simon, Sting, and Jethro Tull all have recognized by inviting him to open for them on tour."
Willy knows how to deliver
Roger Townsend | 09/04/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"We've been waiting for this 3rd album and it delivers what Willy does best...the thoughtful lyrics, amazing guitar work and his voice which can be playful and soulful all at once. favorite tracks "Sowelu" and "Anonymous Caller" and "Paper Airplane". Willy is even better live so if you have a chance to see him, go! In the meantime, put on "Falling Forward" and let yourself fall..."
Worth the Wait!!
ovitt@mindless.com | IL | 09/03/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Are you looking for thought provoking songs? Would you like those thoughts to be accompanied by incredible music? If that is the case, then you should by this CD.Willy Porter has managed to bring three qualities together for this cd: incredible skill, thoughtfullness and enjoyability. I have heard a number of technically amazing musicians that lack the ability to play consistantly enjoyable music. Likewise, the majority of the thought provoking music I have heard lacks on either the musically enjoyable or skill side.Willy has managed to make stunning music that has thoughtfull lyrics, inspiring skill and is simply enjoyable to listen to.......score one more for Willy Porter!"