George Porter Jr. & the Runnin’ Pardners

George Porter Jr. & the Runnin’ Pardners

Early Show | $75 Main Room Seating – $30 Main Room Standing/Bar Seating

Prolific New Orleans bassist George Porter Jr. has released a new instrumental album, Porter’s Pocket, with his longtime quartet, the Runnin’ Pardners, via Color Red. The group features keyboardist Michael Lemmler, drummer Terrence Houston, and guitarist Chris Adkins.

A founding member of The Meters and a lifelong session musician, Porter served as Allen Toussaint’s go-to bassist throughout the 1960s and 70s. Widely regarded as one of the greatest bass players of all time, he has consistently ranked among the top names in Bass Player Magazine and Rolling Stone, and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 for his work with The Meters.

The album’s lead track, “Tito’s Dumpling Machine,” captures Porter’s signature New Orleans groove, driven by tight drum breaks, syncopation, and Hammond organ. Reflecting his philosophy, Porter emphasizes the role of the drummer in shaping the music, allowing the rhythm to guide each performance.

An innovator of funk, Porter credits New Orleans for its distinct rhythmic identity. Alongside collaborations with artists such as Robert Palmer, Patti LaBelle, and Tori Amos, he continues to tour extensively and maintains a weekly residency at the Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans.

LISTEN TO GEORGE PORTER JR.