porterdavis is a three-man roots rock band from Austin, Texas. They were founded upon a love of American roots and blues music and explorations of African musical traditions, and originally busked in the subways of Boston where Mike and Dan, graduates of Boston’s Berklee College of Music, lived and studied. Their new self-titled album will be released in early September.
Little Walter / Boogie
Little Walter was an outstanding singer, but as a harmonica player he was untouchable. Although this is an instrumental, it still makes it onto my Playlist. He’s just that good. The raw energy flowing through those reeds keeps me on the edge of my seat during this fast paced, pounding track. The band complement his every phrase and seemingly endless ideas right to the last stop. As tight as it gets!
The Isley Brothers / It’s Your Thing
This is a message I can get behind. Wrapped in a deep funky package, with killer players hitting it hard. What a great feel good tune for a Playlist.
Muddy Waters / Rock Me
So menacing, powerful and sexual, this is one of Muddy’s finest vocal performances. With lines like, ‘I want you to rock me like my back ain’t got no bone,’ the message is clear. The slow groove with Willie Dixon on bass, the skilled and haunting harmonica of James Cotton lying in the background. This sound and this song moves me.
Foy Vance / Indiscriminate Act of Kindness
This song is delivered with real sincerity. It’s very raw and stripped down, and the performance is wonderful. I think we could all stand to be a little more empathic and sending that message veiled in a story like this certainly touched me the first time I heard it. In short, this song makes me want to be a better human being.
Bill Withers / Lovely Day
This song makes me feel good no matter what. If I’m having a good day, it makes it even better. Bad day? Turns my mood around. The groove is killer. Bill’s voice is my favorite of all time. It’s a catchy song with a sweet sentiment. I could go on and on. Everyone knows his songs, but they don’t often know he’s the man behind the songs. Bill Withers is THE MAN and I will never tire of listening to his music.
Brian Webb / Walk Alone
If the world was ready for music like Brian Webb, nations would learn war no more. He’s felt it deeper, thought it longer, and said it clearer than 99 per cent of what’s out there. If only people wanted to hear the truth.
Duke Levine / I Think It’s Gonna Work Out Fine
It took another great roots guitarist, Adam Levy, to explain to me that this is actually an Ike and Tina tune. Duke Levine is a musical poet and musicologist, and delivers his country and soul guitar with more skill and less affect or ego than any guitarist I’ve seen. I aim to join him in the Licks and Bagels club, fusing roots guitar tone and sensibility and stunning execution with a love of smoked salmon and Larry David.
Townes Van Zandt / To Live Is To Fly
My epitaph. Nuff said.
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