Porkbelly Futures has travelled a crooked road since the band’s founding. Originally a four-piece, Chicago-style blues band, its members veered off to embrace folk, country and rock & roll in their self-penned repertoire, creating what many now believe is a unique and vibrant sound. Along the way the band has gained and lost members, but each time recovered to find new strength.
Porkbelly originally featured the prolific singer/songwriter team of Paul Quarrington and Martin Worthy. Unusually, the other two Porkbelly members were classical musicians, with Chas Elliott (Toronto Symphony Orchestra) and Stuart Laughton (Canadian Brass) having to learn new instruments but contributing a unique perspective and enormously varied experience. Two session musicians on Porkbelly Futures’ debut album Way Past Midnight subsequently became indelibly associated with the band: vocalist/percussionist Rebecca Campbell (Jane Siberry, Fat Man Waving), and legendary keyboardist Richard Bell (Janis Joplin, The Band, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings), who lost his battle with cancer after only four years as a “Belly.”
Tragically, cancer also recently claimed Porkbelly’s much-loved lead vocalist Paul Quarrington, a nationally-recognized writer. At the time of his death Paul was pursuing his dream of being recognized for his song writing as much as his award-winning novels such as Whale Music and King Leary. Despite grave illness, Paul insisted on completing what became a celebratory national tour with the band, a story he relates in his posthumously published and best-selling book, Cigar Box Banjo: Notes on Music and Life.
The band’s third album The Crooked Road, released by Cordova Bay Records was recorded in the summer of 2010 by producer David Gray. The disc features songs by Martin Worthy and Paul Quarrington.
Released: October 19, 2010
Genre: Country, Rock
Track Listing:
1. I Ain't Leave ('Til The Wine's All Gone)
2. Nothing Costs A Nickel
3. Can't Find My Way Back To You
4. Crazy Rain
5. The Difference You Make
6. It Deals With You
7. Coppertown
8. BooCatDo
9. Judgement Day
10. The Crooked Road
