In early May of last year, I sat in at a packed Shitty Barn (an intimate and wonderful barn venue in Spring Green) and watched as Field Report took their places, all donned in suits, despite the causal vibe. After only a few words out of Christopher Porterfield’s mouth, the entire crowd watched attentively in silence. His voice was raw and straining at all the right moments, showing us the passion behind it all.
The music holds a captivating draw that is undoubtedly hard to resist. I feel pretty confident in saying that everyone in the crowd, myself included, was completely hooked by the end of the set. I was lucky enough to catch these talented gentleman a couple of other times over the past year, and trust me when I saw that this is one of those bands that you’ll listen to over and over and it will only get better every time.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of catching Milwaukee’s Field Report thus far, you are sorely missing out. Porterfield is a master songsmith if I ever heard one. His writing is layered and full of depth, telling stories that will undoubtedly leave you feeling an entire range of emotions. Field Report, the self-titled debut album released in September 2012, is a captivating display of his finely crafted lyrics paired with the stunning instrumentals and harmonies of his talented five-piece band composed of Travis Whitty, Damian Strigens, Nick Berg, Ben Lester, and Jeff Mitchell.
Although many like to associate Christopher Porterfield with his friend Justin Vernon and their former band, DeYarmond Edison, the comparison is not needed. These gentlemen have proved time and time again over the past year that they can stand and succeed on their own. Starting out 2012 SXSW Festival in Austin, TX, Field Report was a definite favorite. From there they continued into a busy year which included a summer long stint with Counting Crows, the release of their debut album, a West Coast tour opening for Aimee Mann, a couple of shows with the legendary Emmylou Harris, and finally finishing up the year with a headlining tour. There is no doubt 2013 is going to be even better for Field Report. They’re on an upward swing, and I can guarantee in a few months from now you will be kicking yourself if you don’t attend Saturday’s show at the High Noon Saloon.