PORTER

Event information

Growing up in Essex, Gary Porter listened to his parent's record collection that included Sam Cook, Otis Redding etc. and was then sent to the Jerry Mayes School of Music in Southend where he learnt to play piano/accordion.

Porter then became heavily influenced by bands like Dr. Feelgood, Eddie & the Hot Rods who were from the Essex area and ended up following them and going to their gigs in his early teens. During this period, he progressed from playing piano/accordion to learning guitar which led on to him playing in bands.

In 1997 he began writing and performing material with the band Crisis Days. Their album 'Common Denominator' was produced by Debbie Bonham (sister of Led Zeppelin's John Bonham) and the band went on to have much success playing throughout Europe and the UK.

Then an opportunity arose to record at Temple Studios in Mistra Bay, Malta with producer Dave Vella. Here, Porter recorded an acoustic 4 track EP featuring the tracks 'Positively Real', 'Loves Times Fool' feat. Dave Vella on drums, 'Together' and 'Happiest Day'. In 2005 Porter wrote new material whilst playing with musician Ron Rogers of T'Pau (China in your hands, 80's hit) in a rented Chapel in Wales. After this he returned to Essex and started working with 'Al Vospa (Beverly Knight, Paul Young, Chris DeBurg) & Simon Davis. Having completed two studio albums 'Blink Of An Eye' and 'Straight Line' with this line-up, Porter then decided to change the style of his band and write in a different genre (jazz, blues and ska influence).

This new line-up started playing gigs throughout Europe around 2011 supporting various artists including Grammy award nominee James Hunter. This period of activity culminated in the release of the jazz/ska/blues album 'Can't Keep Still' in summer 2012 which has gained much praise and support from BBC Radio, various press publications including Album of the Week in Europe/Spain.

There are a mixture of seats and standing tickets for this gig.
Seats are at tables, usually for 8 people. Please be aware that couples and smaller groups will therefore be sharing a table with others.
Please be aware that if you are seated, people around you will be standing and it is not possible to guarantee an uninterrupted view of the stage.
UNDER 18's MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT