“[My family] had parties that would often turn into jam sessions. They loved to play and I loved to listen. A grandmother born in 1899, my parents in the 1930s, brothers and sisters in the 1950s and 60s and then myself in ‘73. …From room to room, there were different genres of music playing and all were welcome. Opera, big band, jazz, classic rock, disco… you name it. I would sing everything, entertaining anyone who would listen.” —Stephanie Porter
The best vocalists are the most versatile ones, able to interpret the hell out of a song — be it R&B, the Great American Songbook, a little pop, a little pizzazz. A Seattle treasure, Stephanie Porter, is one of those vocalists, and one jazz musicians speak fondly of, not to mention recommend around town.
But then this vocalist grew up listening to the best in every genre, from Judy Garland in The Wizard Of Oz soundtrack, to Ella Fitzgerald. Her dad put together The Wizard Of Oz tape for her, which she fell asleep to every night, and her mom would sing along to Fitzgerald on the stereo, dancing around with her baby girl on her hip.
Coming from a family of vocalists, pianists, horn players, and music enthusiasts, Porter got to regularly enjoy multi-generational jam sessions at her family get-togethers and parties. “They loved to play and I loved to listen. A grandmother born in 1899, my parents in the 1930s, brothers and sisters in the 1950s and 60s and then myself in ‘73. …From room to room, there were different genres of music playing and all were welcome. Opera, big band, jazz, classic rock, disco… you name it. I would sing everything, entertaining anyone who would listen.”
Her family’s love of music rubbed off on Porter, who would risk breaking the law by trying to join in on jam sessions or simply enjoy some good, live jazz at clubs while still underage (19). She hit all the hot, happening Western Washington clubs of that time, Mindamen’s, Sorry Charlie’s, Laferno’s. “I stood on stage in a pose that could have been mistaken for a runner just before the gun goes off,” she said, waiting for authorities to come rushing over to drag her away at any minute.
But her quest to absorb and perform never wavered. After earning a spot singing with award-winning pianist Zyah Ahmonuel at Tacoma’s Cheers West in 1993 — her first legit gig — and spreading the love around as a legit artist of her own, Porter made it to the big time. A member of the well-known 1990s disco band, Hit Explosion, the singer became the first regular weeknight entertainer (every Mondays), as a part of a trio, to play downtown Seattle’s famous Tula’s—not easy to make it into.
She’s doing Tula’s Restaurant and Nightclub — on 2214 Second Ave. — this December 23, 7:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Call (206) 443-4221 for more info.
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