This ain’t your run-of-the-mill blues trio. It might even surprise you that the soulful musical texture flowing from the stage is in fact emanating from only three guys. And therein lies the beauty of porterdavis. With just three musicians, an array of worldly instruments, and a collective imagination that transcends their individual musical prowess, porterdavis dishes up some truly original roots music.
Underneath the expressive lyrics and the smooth 3-part harmonies, is a band that was founded on a deep appreciation for the formidable musicians who have paved the way before them. Dan Barrett delivers the slide electric and acoustic guitar along with the lead vocals, backed by the English Simon Wallace wailing on the blues harp, and Mike Meadows rounds it out with his unique concoction of percussion instruments from around the world.
With influences ranging from Townes Van Zandt to Muddy Waters to James Brown, this Austin-based trio is cast into a wide variety of genres. From folk to blues and jam-band to rock and roll, the musical range of porterdavis keeps fans wondering what infectious sound will soothe their soul next.
Dan and Mike got their start by busking in the Porter Square and Davis Square subway stations of Boston, Massachusetts bright and early in the morning. At the time, Mike was finishing up his studies at Berklee College of Music and Dan, having just completed his studies, was teaching music at a nearby school. It wasn't the most ideal stage, but it did provide a space in which they could experiment with their music—not to mention, a meaningful name for the band. Then in 2004, the guys decided to move their home base to Austin, Texas where they solidified the sound of porterdavis by adding a third harmony and the final member to the band, Simon.
