A hearty blend of rock and soul with more than a hint of jazzy rhythm and blues, Will Porter’s critically acclaimed album Tick Tock Tick is sure to satisfy anyone with a love of a classic and timeless musical style. Catch this reissue due out on April 16. Porter’s soulful and rich baritone voice takes center stage on the eleven-song album recorded at Esplanade Studios in New Orleans. The album, produced and arranged by Wardell Quezergue, features special guests Dr. John and Bettye LaVette, as well as New Orleans guitarist Leo Nocentelli of The Meters, Yellow Jackets bassist Jimmy Haslip, The Womack Brothers (Curtis & Friendly) and the Louisiana Philharmonic Strings. Whether performing solo or ensemble, Porter’s warm and soulful delivery places his considerable talent at the forefront of the listener’s consciousness.
The album’s namesake song, “Tick Tock Tick,” is a stunning lyrical masterpiece about flipping the script on a relationship. Instead of being the one encompassed in flames, Porter walks away teaching his other half what it means to get burned the way that he once was. It’s an upbeat and fiery song about enacting your revenge by putting your tormentor through what they’ve put you through. The addition of the horns gives it a jazzy edge.
“I’m Blue (Shoo Be Do)” has an exquisite retro sound which, when combined with Porter’s rich baritone, grips the attention of the listener. A song about missing a love at all hours, the track combines elements of rhythm and blues to get you on your feet. No matter where you are while listening, you’re sure to be shaking.
Opening with the unusual combination of a melancholy piano and a cymbal roll, “This California Sun” uses a slow bluesy tempo to demonstrate the longing for a lost lover. Following a relocation and the leaving behind of a love, the new city seems to be tainted by Porter’s feelings of loss. Porter wants nothing more than to be able to share his new experiences with the love that he can’t let go even now that he’s gone. The subtle orchestratic background provides a romantic quality to the nostalgic reminiscence.
Not interested in a relationship headed down an ugly road, Porter proclaims “I Can Do Bad By Myself.” While admitting that both parties have faults, Porter does call his love out for deceiving him and says that he would be better alone. Who do they think that they are that they can lie to him the way that they did? The slow tempo, rocky guitar solo adds an element of edgy dangerousness to the bitter break-up track.
And don’t let the upbeat sound of “Treadin’ Water” fool you. It’s really a song about barely keeping a relationship afloat. While the song is actually questioning how long their strained relationship can last, the background organ sound keeps this song fun and funky. One thing is for certain, this track will keep your hips swaying for hours.
“Tear It Up” is a bit of a raunchy song meant for moving and grooving – and not just on the dance floor. If you’re looking for a good time, this track should be on repeat. With a quick tempo and a catchy beat, there’s no doubt this song is meant for busting out your moves. A standout in this track is the saxophone instrumental solo.
As a whole, the album is a cohesive melting pot of genre-blending style and class that takes you through a range of human emotion. Everywhere you turn, Tick Tock Tick proves Porter is a true sultan of swing. Order your copy of Will Porter’s Tick Tock Tick now at: www.willporter.com.