George Porter Jr., the acclaimed New Orleans bassist and founding member of The Meters, has announced a new instrumental album, Porter’s Pocket. Featuring his band, Runnin’ Pardners, the album will be released on 7 February 2025 via the label Color Red.
The Runnin’ Pardners lineup includes Michael Lemmler on keyboards, Terrence Houston on drums, and guitarist Chris Adkins. On 24 November, listeners got their first preview of the album with the single Tito’s Dumpling Machine.
In describing the song, Porter said, “My attitude has always been that the drummer defines where the song goes, and so I really enjoy letting a drummer set up the tune.” The track leans heavily into New Orleans funk, with drum breaks, a Hammond organ lead, and Porter’s signature pocket groove.
Porter, who won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 for his work with The Meters, reflected on his hometown’s influence on his music: “Before there was ‘funk,’ New Orleans musicians always had a way of using rhythm in a way nobody else was. I am just a student of Earl King and George French and that musical school, and somewhere along the way, people out there decided it was ‘funk.’”
Fans of the Runnin’ Pardners can catch the band during their weekly residency at the Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans. They are also set to open for The Black Crowes on 21–22 December at The Capitol Theatre in New York.
Members of the Color Red Vinyl Club will gain early access to Porter’s Pocket as part of the club’s December 2024 vinyl selection, while the general release will follow in February.
For more details, including a full list of tour dates, visit georgeporterjr.com.
