Annapolis (Map, News) - A Willy Porter concert is like an evening spent with a good friend — who, by the way, is incredibly talented.

Porter’s casual onstage persona belies the mastery with which he plays acoustic guitar as he sings his soulful, often thought-provoking lyrics.

Funny that even after 15 years in the business and plenty of kudos from musical greats, Porter bemoans his lack of formal musical training.

“It’s important, because you can work out the problems you encounter when you write music,” Porter said. “I’ll always be a student of music.”

But certainly a straight-A student.

Not only does he pack clubs around the United States, but Porter has opened for — and received accolades from — renowned musicians including Ian Anderson, leader of Jethro Tull, and singer and pianist Tori Amos.

“Willy Porter’s music demonstrates admirably that the technical excellence of his guitar playing will never overwhelm the essence of the song itself,” Anderson is quoted as saying on Porter’s Web site.

“Oh — and [he’s] a pretty damn fine singer, too. Thank goodness he doesn’t play the flute.”

In his latest release, “Available Light,” Porter offers a slow and airy feel to the track tunes that often turns into a rock sound before returning to the softer melodies. In turn, the vocals also take on a melodic sound.

Mix that sound with Porter’s casual conversation with his audiences during shows, and you see what inspires the loyalty of his fans.

A largely self-taught musician and songwriter, Porter received his first guitar from his parents when he was in middle school.

Although they weren’t musicians, his parents appreciated how he adapted to the instrument quickly, as he had not done with his first instrument, the viola.

But Porter’s affection for the acoustic guitar did not translate to the electric. That relegated him to guitar tech, instead of player, for high school rock bands. Perhaps that was a blessing in disguise, Porter mused, because it helped strengthen his musical foundation.

IF YOU GO

» Willy Porter

» Venue: Rams Head

» Where: 33 West St., Annapolis

» When: 8:30 p.m. Friday

» Tickets: $24

» Info: 410-268-4545,

www.ramsheadonstage.com

Comments from Examiner Readers

8:53 PM MST on Wed., May. 7, 2008 re: "Asia rises again with �Phoenix�"

Examiner Reader said:
Asia show at the Ballroom was fabulous. Steve was complete animated like I have never seen at a yes show. Carl Palmer, what can you say except assume? Did anyone buy the $30 wrist band of the Show? Wondering how it sounds.

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9:25 PM MST on Sat., Apr. 19, 2008 re: "Thriving Ivory heads for the big-time"

Examiner Reader said:
nice. we remember seeing the band in Dan's Bar and the G street pub in sacto and playing with other local bands trying to launch out of San Fran, and thriving ivory did it while others feel off the face of the earth. bravo.

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12:17 PM MST on Mon., Apr. 14, 2008 re: "Review: Nick Lowe's pure pop"

Examiner Reader said:
Was very disappointed with Nick Lowe. My new ex fav. Acoustic on stage with a mic for his warmup then with him. How about a band, some pub rock? It was like Donovan in a bad time warp. I remember when that bard used to rock and roll... sadly...

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9:36 PM MST on Sat., Mar. 29, 2008 re: "There's only one Ray Davies"

Examiner Reader said:
Ray Davies' "Peace In Our Time" is about a troubled relationship, not about the end of the war. Please read the lyrics before writing your article. Rolling Stone made the same error. You'd think the media in San Francisco could learn to read before writing. Thank you.

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4:39 PM MST on Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 re: "Big lineup set for S.F. summer music festival"

Examiner Reader said:
$215, plus fees, for such an ecclectic lineup? No thanks.

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10:39 AM MST on Wed., Mar. 19, 2008 re: "Come to the cabaret"

Examiner Reader said:
Regarding "Come to the Cabaret" no mention has been made of how the new Razz Room intends to include local artist or even if they will be able to book the room as in the old days with the Plush Room. While it is nice to know that the "Big Names!" in Cabaret will have a place to play, it would be nice to know that the little man will still be considered. That's what was nice about The Plush. It did provide opportunity for local talent.

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7:02 PM MST on Wed., Mar. 12, 2008 re: "Biffy Clyro lives up to its name"

Examiner Reader said:
Can't wait for this. Biffy Clyro are probably the best band on the planet at the moment.

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5:49 AM MST on Thu., Jan. 31, 2008 re: "What lies �Between Daylight and Dark�"

Examiner Reader 2 said:
Actually, spreading 'virally on the Internet' is how Ms. Gauthier seems to be getting her music heard these days. Being from Britain, of course, you don't fathom the sorry state of US radio. And it appears she wants nothing more than to share these multilingual versions of her song with listeners around the world, for free. Perhaps sparking some understanding, or at least a potential discussion, in the process. Aided, of course, by that malevolent Machiavellian device, the Internet. Does that sound like a self-centered 'celebrity' to you? We Yanks aren't as stupid as we look.

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9:10 PM MST on Tue., Jan. 29, 2008 re: "What lies �Between Daylight and Dark�"

Examiner Reader said:
I doubt that Mr.Lanham did anything more that reprint a press release, which will no doubt spread virally on the Internet and make money for Ms. Gauthier as "news." This is the problem with celebrity culture and the lack of a world view in the United States. To think that a song which stands to make the "artist" some money is going to stop the torture that is life in the Mideast is a grave disservice to the people suffering there. Celebrities are a simple-minded lot and Americans believe them. From UK visitor

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1:28 PM MST on Tue., Oct. 23, 2007 re: "Indie rock's Nick Luca promotes 'Fractions'"

Examiner Reader said:
great band - great show!

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7:54 PM MST on Sun., Jun. 17, 2007 re: "Huey Lewis, News celebrate Memorial Day with song"

Examiner Reader said:
Huey was hot in the 80's, but now it's sort of sad to see that he's becoming, well, middle aged. I'm glad to see that he can still rock and roll even though it makes me feel old!

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5:55 AM MST on Tue., May. 15, 2007 re: "Concerto�s story is a family affair"

Examiner Reader said:
I know this is a really third-rate rag and you're doing the best you can, but would it kill you to proofread a bit and spell the names of the people you quote correctly?

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12:03 PM MST on Tue., May. 8, 2007 re: "World of �Weird Al� comes to B'more"

"Weird" Michael said:
Good article! I always head that Al got his nick name "Weird Al" whilst attending university. deadairpodcast

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2:27 PM MST on Thu., Apr. 26, 2007 re: "Fans can expect �spectacle�"

MCRGirl said:
Interesting.

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