Main Text: Celebrated New Orleans bassist George Porter Jr. has dropped his highly anticipated new instrumental album, Porter’s Pocket, available today via Color Red. Known for his foundational work with the legendary funk band The Meters, Porter Jr., now 77, continues to push the boundaries of music with his longstanding quartet, the Runnin’ Pardners. The album features Porter’s longtime musical collaborator, keyboardist Michael Lemmler (Jubilation, TriFunctA), drummer Terrence Houston (The Funky Meters, Toubab Krewe), and the newest addition to the group, guitarist Chris Adkins (Raphael Saadiq, Mark Broussard).
Porter’s Pocket is a vibrant return to the funky instrumental roots that made Porter a household name in the 60s and 70s. Renowned for his signature bass lines on iconic tracks like “Cissy Strut” and “Hey Pocky A-Way” with The Meters, Porter has firmly cemented his place as one of the architects of funk music. As a sought-after session musician, his impressive career spans collaborations with artists like Patti LaBelle, Robert Palmer, Warren Haynes, David Byrne, John Scofield, Tori Amos, and Devon Allman, among others. Even at 77, Porter’s enduring legacy continues to thrive through his prolific touring schedule, performing over 100 live shows a year at some of the world’s most prestigious venues and festivals.
On Porter’s Pocket, Porter and his bandmates revisit the raw, improvisational energy that originally defined his career. With eight instrumental tracks, the album returns to the free-flowing, groove-heavy funk that Porter pioneered with The Meters. The rhythm section, anchored by Porter and Houston, provides a powerful backbone for Adkins’ soulful guitar riffs and Lemmler’s colorful keyboard work. Tracks explore a variety of musical landscapes—from the quintessential New Orleans street beats to jazzy swing, and even the spacey, minimalistic blues of the album’s closing track, “Latenighter.”
The album’s freeform approach captures the essence of the New Orleans funk scene, paying homage to the roots of Porter’s sound while offering a fresh and contemporary take on it. Porter’s Pocket marks an exciting chapter in the bassist’s storied career, showcasing his timeless ability to craft unforgettable grooves while maintaining a deep sense of musical exploration.
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