Singer-songwriter M. Lockwood Porter is quick to release another full-length. His debut album Judah's Gone was a pleasant surprise filled with lo-fi songs. Preceded by Chris Bell b/w Secrets single On 27 he is making inroads into the world of rock besides his Americana material.Endless gigging with a kick-ass band has boosted his confidence as a vocalist - he had to work harder to be heard.
Porter turned 27 this year, an age forever associated with the deaths of his musical heroes Chris Bell, Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix. He is growing fast as an artist, giving country rock a much needed shot in the arm. He can handle good time rock 'n' roll from the perspective of a girl he is breaking with (You Only Talk About Your Band) and a gentle Big Star-alike ballad (Love Me Like I'm Not Around). The energy of Restless will be embraced by Springsteen fans. Hats to the folks of San Francisco's Hyde Street Studio C who did an excellent job recording the album. Recommended if you like Wilco, Nils Lofgren and Neil Young.
M. Lockwood Porter: vocals, guitars, harmonica, glockenspiel, percussion
Peter Labberton: drums
Bevan Herbekian: bass, vocals
Jeff Hashfield: keys
Jules Leyhe: guitar, pedal steel
27 will be released on Black Mesa Records. Release date: October 14th.
Tracks:- I Know You're Gonna Leave Me
- Chris Bell
- Restless
- Secrets
- Mountains
- Different Kind Of Lonely
- You Only Talk About Your Band
- There To Here
- Love Me Like I'm Not Around
- Couer D'Alene
- 10/10 San Francisco, CA @ Brick and Mortar Music Hall (Album Release Show!)
- 10/17 Oklahoma City, OK @ The Blue Note w/ John Moreland
- 10/18 Tulsa, OK @ Mercury Lounge w/ John Moreland
- 10/19 Lawrence, KS @ Jackpot Music Hall
- 10/20 Iowa City, IA @ Gabe’s
- 10/21 Daytrotter session at 1 pm
- 10/21 Chicago, IL @ Reggie’s
- 10/22 Eaton, OH @ Taffy’s
- 10/23 Philadelphia, PA @ The Grape Room
- 10/25 New York, NY @ Wicked Willy’s at 6:30 pm (Official CMJ Showcase)
- 10/26 New York, NY @ Rockwood Music Hall Stage 1
- 10/27 Charlotte, NC @ Thomas Street Tavern w/ Ross Adams
- 10/28 Chapel Hill, NC @ The Cave w/ Hazelwood + Braden & Brother
- 10/29 Nashville, TN @ The 5 Spot w/ Todd Farrell + Kent Goolsby
- 10/30 Huntsville, AL @ Maggie Meyer’s Irish Pub
- 10/31 Clarksdale, MS @ Shack Up Inn
- 11/01 Lafayette, LA @ Artmosphere
- 11/02 Austin, TX @ Sahara Lounge
- 11/03 Dallas, TX @ Opening Bell
HCTF review of Chris Bell b/w Secrets.
