Crying For Hope

George Porter Jr. & Runnin' Pardners

Controlled Substance Sound Labs / Color Red, 2021

http://www.georgeporterjr.com

REVIEW BY: Max Kaplan

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 04/05/2021

George Porter Jr. dives deep into his pocket with this funkified and teeming new album, Crying For Hope, out now on Color Red Records.

Possessing over five decades of recording experience with bands like The Meters, Tedeschi Trucks, and 7 Walkers, Porter Jr. continues his tradition of crafting world-class music. The album contains convincing instrumentals interspersed with memorable vocal tunes throughout. In an era where the art of the instrumental has slowly found its way to the back of the room, Porter Jr. continues to pave the way to re-opening the door to this slightly hidden world. my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250

Porter takes influences from a wide range of sources. His native New Orleans based rhythms and motifs are prevalent, of course, but Porter demonstrates a taste of psychedelic rock and deep funk in his compositions as well. At times reminiscent of George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, George adds his own style to the genre with progressive guitar licks and jazz-inspired chord changes.

The title track, “Crying For Hope,” begins the album with an immediately captivating organ and guitar driven rhythm. George announces his vocal presence immediately with politically charged lyrics and resonant singing. George’s voice, although husky and perhaps unorthodox, is rife with soul and presents some difficult melodies. On “Cloud Funk,” Porter Jr. demonstrates the abilities of his very capable band in a polyrhythmic beat obviously intended to bring the listener to their feet. Porter’s capabilities with a four-stringed bass rival those of most talented players with a five or six-stringed one. Other highlights from the album include “Wanna Get Funky,” in which Porter Jr. gives his audience another blistering funk instrumental, and “I’m Barely,” where Porter delivers a sweet soul song in the vein of Stax era music along with a New Orleans backbeat to support it.

Decades spent touring, recording, and making music have left Porter completely relaxed on stage and in the studio. These feelings are represented in Porter’s inventive and unique playing style, which is featured abundantly in the record. Crying For Love is an enjoyable listening experience for all classic to modern funk fans.

Rating: B+

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