I saw Willy Porter for the first time the night finals ended during my first semester of college. House of Blues had billed him as "Slick Willy Porter" and we went expecting to see a 116 year old black man singing the blues. Needless to say, he didn't quite fit that bill.
Since then, he has been one of my favorite live musicians and I enjoyed the benefit of being a bachelor with few responsibilities next door to his home town of Milwaukee for almost nine years. Unfortunately, he doesn't make it Vancouver as often as he plays in his own backyard (though he is coming to Seattle April 8!).
But, for those of us less fortunate than Wong (who saw him just a few days ago) and Davidson (who can see him twice next week if he wants), all is not lost. There are two Willy treats that can make your Friday a bit better. Someone has uploaded a phenomenal live video to Google, and Willy's website is offering a free mp3 of his new song Valentine (a little cheesier, weirder, and more pop-y than my stock Willy favorites-- but free).
My advice to you this Friday? 1. Watch the video. 2. Buy High Wire Live on your way home from work. 3. Pop popcorn. 4. Enjoy the weekend.
RELATED: Katie and I saw Justin King open for Willy at the Old Town School of Folk Music three years ago. I can't say anything for his albums, but if you want to him in all his doubleneck acoustic glory, watch knock on wood.
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