David Porter: Chapter 1

Simply put, southern soul and the spirit of a certain time in American cultural history were shaped by songs written or co-written by David Porter (many in collaboration with pre-Hot Buttered Soul Isaac Hayes) during Stax Records’ golden era. When the era, and Stax, faded in the 70s, Porter continued writing and recording, amassing a deep vault of unreleased songs, 10 of which are now seeing new life here, 50 years after his previous solo project. Tellingly titled Chapter 1, this high-quality vinyl release from Made in Memphis Entertainment (MIME) constitutes a new component of Porter’s long commitment to supporting Memphis’ local artists. In the dramatis personae department, a band comprising Stax veterans (including guitarist and co-writer Gary Goin) ably supports a trio of expressive vocalists in Brandon Wattz, Candise Marshall, and Marcus Scott plumbing the depth of Porter’s music. It all sounds fresh and vital, from the deep, driving groove of “Circles” propelled by Marshall’s gospel-infused testifying; to Wattz’s sensitive, sensuous vow of commitment, buttressed by rap segments seconding her emotions, on the funky “By Your Side”; to Scott battling temptations of the flesh in “If I Have to Do Wrong,” a lush ballad worthy of classic Stax status. Simply put, soul lives!