How to Write a Song with Willy Porter

For the fourth time in as many years, Milwaukee native Willy Porter returned to Acoustic Music San Diego and amazed and amused the receptive crowd. Touring in support of his How to Rob a Bank LP, he gave his version of the banking system's demise within the title song — which is more effective, uzi's or a board of directors?

Porter dropped a few new songs during his short opening set, after which we purchased coffee and tasty brownies from the nice church ladies during intermission.

The second set delivered the complete Willy Porter experience, with well-known songs, humorous anecdotes, and the traditional made-up song. Songs such as "Breathe," "Angry Words," and "Jesus on the Grille," which can be found on the popular High Wire Live disc, consistently blow people away with Porter's guitar acrobatics and melodic vocals. Whether it is with his 12- or 6-string, the guy is amazing, retuning his guitar as he entertains us with stories about his family and touring life and then launching into a kickin' song like "Moonbeam" or the touching song about family heartache, "One More September."

Soliciting words from the audience to invent a song is a typical show-ender. The words from this show consisted of “vegetarian librarian,” “beer,” and “don't touch my junk,” among others. So, Porter got the double capos going and made up a groovy tune that weaved a story using all the words in a context that was humorous and told a coherent tale. Impressive.

• Concert: Willy Porter
• Date: November 19
• Venue: AMSD
• Seats: 8B
• Picture: Bob Alexander