- Bryon Harris
Jennifer Porter - 'For You'
Review By Patrick Joseph & Staff
The W.A M. Awards celebrate the year’s most outstanding independent artists from around the world in multiple genres and categories. "Best Song" and "Best Album" nominations were based on Artistry, Musicianship, Originality, Professionalism, Diversity, and Excellence. W.A.M. stands for "We Are the Music Makers.' Jennifer Porter's Album "These Years" was the 2020 W.A.M. Award Winner for Best Album in the Roots / Americana / Bluegrass / Blues music category.
“For You” is an unbelievably relaxed song that packages intensity and comfort in a classic gospel sound. I cannot say enough about the rhythm section on this track. A high level of musical maturity from all performers is on display. Every facet of “For You” betrays an absolute command over the medium. Porter’s vocals are framed perfectly by the track. She sings with ease and dedication, showing impressive control and tasteful restraint. These elements combine to create a sound that is raw and honest.
Porters vocal performance is perfectly matched to the lyrics. “For you, I forgive the word, and work at being kind, week by week I will see it through, ooh my dear, for you.” You can feel the meaning of the lyrics through her vocal delivery. Reserved, dignified, and unwavering, Porter sings the truth “I’ll rally ‘round this prayer, your name my amen.”
There are many elements that allow “For You” to shine, but the collaborative agreement between performers and arrangement is what steals the show. From the opening drum fill we hear an ensemble that is working together to create something beautiful. Occasional introduction of harmonic tension, well-delivered instrumentals “fills” and beautifully appropriate vocal melodies provide the icing on the cake. “For You” is a statement of commitment, a truly beautiful love letter in musical form.
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About Jennifer Porter Jennifer Porter is an award-winning musician, actor and screenwriter. Jennifer, who is a musician’s musician, has sung with Classical and Jazz Orchestras, including the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, and smaller combos including her own quintet. She is also an accomplished Blues pianist, and has played with C.J. Chenier and The Red Hot Louisiana Band, Nathan and The Zydeco Cha-Chas, and Ils Sont Partis. Her musical repertoire spans from Jazz and Blues to Country and Opera. She has recorded 7 albums to date.
Her last album, “These Years,” was recorded with producer Jay Newland. These Years has seen significant radio play and received rave reviews in Europe and The United States. Her song Road To Redemption, from These Years, charted at #1 on National Indie Radio, the Independent Music Network Country Charts, New Music Weekly’s Country Charts and National Radio Hits Country Charts. Road To Redemption also reached the top 3 on The Independent Music Network’s Mainstream charts, and National Radio Hits and New Music Weekly’s Adult Contemporary, and Top 40 charts. She was also nominated for 5 Independent Music Network awards and won Female Crossover Artist of the year. Her album Easy Living (2014),, was nominated for a 2015 Independent Music Award in the Jazz With Vocals category, and was heard on jazz stations around the United States, including KJAZZ in Los Angeles, WWOZ in New Orleans, and Public Radio International’s Jazz After Hours. Jennifer is currently working on an exciting new album with legendary producer, Bernard "Pretty" Purdie. As an Actor, Jennifer starred in, and composed and performed the film score for BALLAD OF IDA AND DOOB (1999) and wrote, starred in, and composed and performed the film scores for the critically acclaimed MR. BARRINGTON (2003) and the multiple award-winning 40 WEST (2011). For her work on 40 WEST, Jennifer received Awards of Merit for Acting and Original Score from The Accolade Competition, Gold Prestige Awards for Acting, Original Score and Original Song, and a Silver Prestige Award for Original Screenplay. Jennifer is a proud member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the Writers Guild of America, SAG / AFTRA, and Actors’ Equity Association.
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