Willy Porter

On “How To Rob A Bank,” the title track from Willy Porter’s 2009 album, the Milwaukee singer-songwriter sings the bailout blues: “You can’t walk in there brazen with an Uzi like Patty Hearst. / I’m gonna secure myself a seat on the board of directors first. / That’s how you rob a bank.” Given the cyclical nature of corporate scandals, “How To Rob A Bank”—along with the rest of the album—is still timely, which fits with Porter’s solid oeuvre of gently sturdy folk tunes. 2010 found him teaming up with Ohio’s Carpe Diem String Quartet for a live album, The Mealies—Live At BoMA. Though a virtuoso on the guitar, Porter is admirably patient with his audience, which explains why he’s so easy to like—and take for granted.

Updated 05/18/2011