Murray Porter

It's been a long time between solo records for Vancouver, BC-based singer/songwriter/keyboardist Porter. His debut album, the fine 1492: Who Found Who, came out in 1994 and he then found success in the Pappy Johns Band. Of Mohawk descent, Porter isn't afraid to tackle social issues, as on "Rez Blues" and the powerful "Since She Went Away," dedicated to Canada's missing, murdered women. He has a convincingly soulful voice and his songs draw upon both blues and soul elements. Female vocal harmonies are employed effectively and Porter's partner, Elaine Bomberry, contributes lyrics to a couple of strong songs, with "Is Sorry Enough?" addressing the victims of abuse at Indian residential and boarding schools. There's a lighter tone to "The Way She Luvs Me," "I Feel Lucky" and "Dog Hopuse"" resulting in a nicely balanced record worth checking out.