Looking For Ground
by
W y c k h a m
P o r t e o u s
Produced by Jimmy Lafave
Through the same border that relaxed customs to give us Joni, Neil,
and
The Band, we are now allowed another classic artist. Wyckham Porteous from
Vancouver, and his producer, Jimmy Lafave, walked into Austin's Cedar Creek
Studios, bringing together some of that town's hottest players with Wyckham's
touring band, all determined to capture the sound of Wyckham's northern
sensibilities as they tumbled proudly upon everything Texan. Given the breadth
and majesty of what we hear, one is convinced the group must have privately
agreed to attempt something along the lines of the Great North American
Record Album. And, as long as that word is on the table, we'll point
out that it very adequately understates our reaction to every line, every
vocal turn, every arrangement they created. Everything we hear, we are convinced.
Confronted by the sheer pith of Wyckham's vision, it is tempting to
turn this overview into a long and celebratory analysis of its generous
treasures. But we'll manage to restrain ourselves, aware that the treatises
are just around the corner. For Wyckham is that rare artist who is both
critic's darling (and challenge), and popular favorite. Might as well say
it, since it's undeniably true.... kind of like Dylan.
Let's instead consider but three of these songs, and see if we can condense
the magic it is they do to us. Let us begin our project by cranking the
volume on the title song firmly to the right. And then by letting the crunchy
lilt of "Looking For Ground" lift our bodies every which
way it will. Allowing the abandon in our bones amplify the so sweet, and
bittersweet, places in our hearts it takes us back to. In three minutes
giving us again the joy of every journey we've ever cherished, and inspiring
us to lend what we can to smooth those of the ones we love. "Back
On That Train" follows with the hard earned lessons of those journeys
we ask not be repeated, but it does so with a transcendent beauty that mimics,
and tempts us with, their siren enticements . Let us here fulfill our quota
of one bold prediction per year -- this is a song which will last pretty
darn close to forever.
And then there's the totally irresistable "Glory"... In
which The Band seems to return in full armor, and with female accompaniment.
Listen to Julianne Banks scat her way out of this song. Close your eyes,
picture Aretha, and you won't be disappointed.
It's hard to believe we have said nothing of the two most intense and stirring
songs, This Land and Cumberland Waltz, or Rain of Love
(the one we still play every single day), or of 3 a. m. (the mushy,
but brainy one), or I Could Stay Here (perhaps truly our favorite).
But at least you'll get to discover the haunting Under The Still Full
Moon (Wyck at Kerrville listening to Vietnam vets singing at some way
off distant campfire) all by yourself. And you'll come to hear why no words
were even dared against the once-in-a-lifetime closer, On A Quiet Night
Like This.
And you'll come to decide before too long, that this new guy from Canada,
this Wyckham Porteous, will be with us for a very long time, for at least
as long as we find ourselves still looking for ground.
The Songs
1. Looking For Ground
2. Back On That Train
3. Maybe Tomorrow
4. Cumberland Waltz
5. This Land
6. Rain Of Love
7. Please Do Not Call Me
8. 3 am
9. 7 Years
10. Glory
11. Under The Still Full Moon
12. I Would Stay Here
13. On A Quiet Night Like This
All songs by Wyckham Porteous
Reactions:
"Looking For Ground is a roots-rock masterpiece,
and album of real music for real people, a tonic for those who need a change
from the increasingly bland and indistinguishable fare pushed as somehow
alternative. Wyckham sounds a little like John Hiatt at times, the tips
his hat to The Band, and, like everybody doing this roots-rock-folk-country
thing, there's a lot of Bob Dylan going on there too.
But you can argue about what influences went into the shimmering Please
Do Not Call Me, the crunching title song, or the lovely 3 a. m.
all day and it wouldn't change the fact that this is one great album."
Eric Fidler · Associated Press
"Very impressive.... His voice can be reminiscent of Robert
Earl Keen, at other times there are echoes of Guy Clark, Prine, and Hiatt,
but Porteous creates his own identity with striking imagery and melodies
and a gift for phrasing."
John Conquest · Music City Texas
"Looking For Ground works on all levels. Wyckham
Porteous is going to make it through talent, integrity of vision, and excellent
songwriting skills. This is not some tag-along effort trying to find itself
through imitation; this is a bona fide original that's going to find many
appreciators before all is said and done.
In the confines of rock 'n' roll, Porteous has written thirteen songs that
roll as seamlessly from one to the next as any river metaphor could imply."
"Roots music for adults. Looking For Ground and
Cumberland Waltz stand out in a field of great songs."
Rob Silverburg · Blue Suede News
The Players:
The Band of Tennesseeans
Wyckham Porteous - Acoustic guitar, vocals
Dan Smith - Guitars
Rob Becker - Bass
Ian McLagan - B-3
Stewart Cochran - Piano
David Bender - Drums
Wyck, Rob, David, Mac
Guest Artists:
Paul Sweeny - Mandolin
Gene Elders - Violin
Mitch Watkins - Atmospheric guitar, acoustic guitar
Randy Glines - Harmonica
Vocalists:
Michael Fracasso
Christine Albert
Gemma Cochran
Abra Moore
Jimmy Lafave
Julianne Banks (Glory)
Produced by Jimmy Lafave
Engineered by Fred Remmert @ Cedar Creek Studios, Austin, TX
Art Direction by Tim Cridle @ Mark Mock Design, Denver, CO
Cover Photograph by Lincoln Clarkes
Jimmy, Mac, Rob, Dan, Wyck, Raphael
Wyckham Bio Wyckham News
On The Road Wyckham Home
To Order
(& hear sound samples)
from Rounder 
Records
Back Home
Looking For Ground is distributed in Euorope by:
Munich Records
Vadaring 90
6702 EB Wageningen
The Netherlands
+31 (0) 317 421444 (P)
+31 (0) 317 411959 (F)