Customer Reviews

Falling Forward

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Falling Forward reaches that perfect balance of production and vitality that creates an accurate and supurb picture of the talent of one (in my opinion) of America's greatest singer/songwriters. Falling Forward is a solid album all the way from the first note of Mystery to the last chord of Somebody Else. It is chocked full of the purely blinding guitar talent that Willy Porter wields so gracefully. This next evolutionary step in Willy's music is just stunning. It has beautifully crafted and thoughtfull lyrics combined with the afore mentioned trademark guitar work. Definately worth haveing. See this artist live if you possibly can! Buy all of his albums! Go out of your way, it will be worth it! http://www.willyporter.com

An amazing performer, not just a recording artist, Willy Porter's live shows are warm, memorable and always offer something new. The same is true of his albums. Willy's warm soothing voice has a husky quality which sounds richer than ever on this latest release. His band adds a textured accompaniment but still leaves room to showcase Willy's skills on guitar. There are some great tracks here, the first 4 being immediate favorites, but every track on this album offers something to remember. The lyrics are full of lingering images, the guitar-picking on Road Bone dazzling. Lilting rhythms on Sowelu add to its floating feeling carried by the chorus "Fly butterfly...into the sky..." Buy this album now, you'll love it. But see him live, he'll leave you awe-struck.

I have been blessed to see Willy Porter in concert four times in the past few months. He is an incredibly (I use that word literally) great acoustic guitarist, a marvelous singer, and a gifted songwriter. He also has an excellent sense of humor from the stage, and seems to be (from a few conversations I've had with him) to be a really nice, self-deprecating guy. He is definitely the most talented young musician I have heard/seen in my nearly half century of living. This album highlights his singing and songwriting. Backed by a band, his tremendous guitar work is somewhat stifled on many of the songs. Nevertheless, it is an album that I play several times a week because of its sheer beauty. After the last concert at which I saw him, my friends and I decided that this must be what it felt like watching Mozart perform. I encourage you not only to listen to this CD, but also to see Willy live whenever you can. His talent is essentially unlimited, as Jeff Beck, Paul Simon, Sting, and Jethro Tull all have recognized by inviting him to open for them on tour.

We've been waiting for this 3rd album and it delivers what Willy does best...the thoughtful lyrics, amazing guitar work and his voice which can be playful and soulful all at once. favorite tracks "Sowelu" and "Anonymous Caller" and "Paper Airplane". Willy is even better live so if you have a chance to see him, go! In the meantime, put on "Falling Forward" and let yourself fall...

Are you looking for thought provoking songs? Would you like those thoughts to be accompanied by incredible music? If that is the case, then you should by this CD.

Willy Porter has managed to bring three qualities together for this cd: incredible skill, thoughtfullness and enjoyability. I have heard a number of technically amazing musicians that lack the ability to play consistantly enjoyable music. Likewise, the majority of the thought provoking music I have heard lacks on either the musically enjoyable or skill side.

Willy has managed to make stunning music that has thoughtfull lyrics, inspiring skill and is simply enjoyable to listen to.......score one more for Willy Porter!

Falling Forward, the long awaited 3rd release from Willy Porter was definately worth the wait. Willy definately expresses and combines his amazing guitar work with equally good lyrics; the same skills that landed him dates opening for the likes of Tori Amos, and The Cranberries. 'Falling Forward' blends all types of music(namely rock, folk, blues, and jazz) into one to create what I consider to be fantastic. Songs like 'Cut the Rope, and 'The Line' express the intimate kind of songwriting that got Willy to this point, and songs like 'Mystery,' 'Sister,' and 'Tribe' express the great musical blend that few posess. Finally, 'Hard' is a song I hope to hear on the radio sometime soon. It posesses the perfect blend of radio friendliness with great songwriting. "Falling Forward" is a definite winner in my book!!!!

I have never written a music review, but this music by Willie Porter transports me (can I say this?) to a heavenly place. I feel stoned without smoking anything. Pure happiness. I saw Willie sing live and loved it, loved him, but this is the one CD that really captures his magic. I wish he could write more music like this, but at least I have this music, I turn to it often, in times of happiness and when I need a lift.

I first discovered Willy Porter opening for a Keb' Mo' concert. I was amazed by his improvisational songs (a trademark of his live shows), and immediately ordered this disc. Shortly after, I saw him from second row at a small venue, and it was the most amazing concert I've ever been to. In order to really enjoy WP, see him live. Falling Forward has great lyrics, amazing acoustics, and is all around beautiful. Without seeing Willy live, you'll like it; after seeing him live, you'll love it!

As a native Mequonite, I'd just like to say that Willy Porter is an excellent musician and a remarkable songwriter. Going to the same high school as the musician, I was compelled to check out his music. It was different, some thing I couldn't quite put my finger on, yet it immediately captivated me. I was now a Willy Porter fan. His music is genre defying and he infuses all kinds of styles into it. There are many great songs but "Mystery" and "The Line" stand out. If you have an open mind, you will really enjoy this cd.

I was introduced to WP by way of "Dog Eared Dream", enjoyed it, loved the sounds and the songwriting. I was barely three tracks into a test listen of "Falling Forward" at Borders when I knew I had to buy. This CD provides that rare instance when the artist's current release is better than his previous. I understand he has one other release than the above two, and would like to get my hands on it. I had the pleasure of seeing him and his band play in a very intimate setting, and again, I echo everyone else in saying you just hafta see him live. I was impressed to discover that many of the unique blends of sound captured on the CD were not merely the result of overdubbed multi-tracking, but him splitting one guitar signal thru several effects simultaneously. Very cool. My favorite track on "Falling Forward" is "Infinity" - I haven't heard a more haunting, captivating tune since maybe "Tea in the Sahara" by Police/Sting.