Tiran Porter
Encyclopedia
Tiran Porter is a American bass and guitar player, vocalist and composer. Born September 26, 1948, he graduated from Leuzinger High School in Hawthorne, CA in 1966. He rose to fame as a member of the Doobie Brothers, replacing bassist Dave Shogren on their second album Toulouse Street
in 1972.
His vocal talents were mostly restricted to the background in the studio, although he contributed "For Someone Special" (an affectionate tribute to ill bandleader Tom Johnston
) to Takin' It To The Streets (1976) and the creatively syncopated "Need A Lady" to Livin' On The Fault Line
(1977). In concert, Porter usually performed lead vocals on one or two songs. During the 1989 tour, for example, he sang "Road Angel" while original vocalist Johnston rested his pipes.
Indisputably, Tiran Porter's most notable contributions to the Doobie Brothers' sound were his busy and punchy bass lines; his distinctive tone permeates all of the band's classic compositions and hits. Often pictured with his trusty Alembic or Gibson
basses during the seventies (usually with a Thunderbird or Ripper bass and earlier with an EB-O Long Scale), Porter has also played Fender instruments, most notably the Jazz bass model, along with BC Rich Eagles. His early technique, with rich chordal attack, was based mostly on his picking style, favouring the guitar pick over fingerstyle playing. The hit title track from Takin' It To The Streets, which prominently features Porter's thundering, picked notes, is a prime example of this technique. More recently, even performing the old repertoire with the Doobies, Porter has been playing new, custom-made instruments almost exclusively fingerstyle.
Porter left the Doobies in 1980, citing frustration with the hectic and constant touring schedule. His replacement was session man Willie Weeks
, later famous for his collaboration with Michael Jackson
and other Quincy Jones
proteges. After guesting onstage with his former bandmates briefly during the 1982 farewell tour, he rejoined the Doobies in 1987. Porter played on Cycles (1989), whose title was taken from an unused song he wrote, and Brotherhood
(1991). Neither album featured a Porter composition or lead vocal, and his bass is often buried in the mix. After five years of touring in support of Cycles and Brotherhood, Porter finally quit the Doobies for good in 1992. He was reportedly still frustrated with constant touring and the band's preference for recording familiar sounding material instead of his own, more diverse compositions.
Porter released a self-produced solo album, Playing To An Empty House, in 1995. It is an interesting mix of rock, progressive and jazz, featuring Porter on all of the instruments and vocals. The album features surprising jazz solos sculpted on exotic chord progressions. (Strangely, it features little or no bass guitar, focusing instead on lead guitar and sequenced keyboards.) Currently, Porter plays bass in the California-based Beatles tribute band White Album Ensemble as well as Stormin' Norman and the Cyclones. He has also toured with Moby Grape
during its occasional partial reunions.
Toulouse Street
Toulouse Street is the second studio album by American rock band The Doobie Brothers, released in 1972 . Toulouse Street is the name of a street in the French Quarter of New Orleans.-Track listing:Side One...
in 1972.
His vocal talents were mostly restricted to the background in the studio, although he contributed "For Someone Special" (an affectionate tribute to ill bandleader Tom Johnston
Tom Johnston (US musician)
Tom Johnston is an American musician. He is a guitarist and vocalist, and co-founded The Doobie Brothers with drummer John Hartman, guitarist Patrick Simmons and bassist Dave Shogren....
) to Takin' It To The Streets (1976) and the creatively syncopated "Need A Lady" to Livin' On The Fault Line
Livin' on the Fault Line
Livin' on the Fault Line is the seventh studio album by the American rock band The Doobie Brothers, released in 1977. It is one of the few Doobie Brothers albums which did not produce a hit . Still, the album received modest critical acclaim...
(1977). In concert, Porter usually performed lead vocals on one or two songs. During the 1989 tour, for example, he sang "Road Angel" while original vocalist Johnston rested his pipes.
Indisputably, Tiran Porter's most notable contributions to the Doobie Brothers' sound were his busy and punchy bass lines; his distinctive tone permeates all of the band's classic compositions and hits. Often pictured with his trusty Alembic or Gibson
Gibson Guitar Corporation
The Gibson Guitar Corporation, formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan and currently of Nashville, Tennessee, manufactures guitars and other instruments which sell under a variety of brand names...
basses during the seventies (usually with a Thunderbird or Ripper bass and earlier with an EB-O Long Scale), Porter has also played Fender instruments, most notably the Jazz bass model, along with BC Rich Eagles. His early technique, with rich chordal attack, was based mostly on his picking style, favouring the guitar pick over fingerstyle playing. The hit title track from Takin' It To The Streets, which prominently features Porter's thundering, picked notes, is a prime example of this technique. More recently, even performing the old repertoire with the Doobies, Porter has been playing new, custom-made instruments almost exclusively fingerstyle.
Porter left the Doobies in 1980, citing frustration with the hectic and constant touring schedule. His replacement was session man Willie Weeks
Willie Weeks
Willie Weeks is an American bass guitarist. He has gained fame performing with famous musicians in a wide variety of genres. He has been one of the most in-demand session musicians throughout his career. Weeks has also gained notoriety touring with many of rock's heavyweights throughout his career...
, later famous for his collaboration with Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
and other Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones
Quincy Delightt Jones, Jr. is an American record producer and musician. A conductor, musical arranger, film composer, television producer, and trumpeter. His career spans five decades in the entertainment industry and a record 79 Grammy Award nominations, 27 Grammys, including a Grammy Legend...
proteges. After guesting onstage with his former bandmates briefly during the 1982 farewell tour, he rejoined the Doobies in 1987. Porter played on Cycles (1989), whose title was taken from an unused song he wrote, and Brotherhood
Brotherhood (The Doobie Brothers album)
Brotherhood is the eleventh studio album by American rock band The Doobie Brothers, released in 1991 .-Track listing:#"Something You Said" – 4:48#"Is Love Enough" Brotherhood is the eleventh studio album by American rock band The Doobie Brothers, released in 1991 (see 1991 in music).-Track...
(1991). Neither album featured a Porter composition or lead vocal, and his bass is often buried in the mix. After five years of touring in support of Cycles and Brotherhood, Porter finally quit the Doobies for good in 1992. He was reportedly still frustrated with constant touring and the band's preference for recording familiar sounding material instead of his own, more diverse compositions.
Porter released a self-produced solo album, Playing To An Empty House, in 1995. It is an interesting mix of rock, progressive and jazz, featuring Porter on all of the instruments and vocals. The album features surprising jazz solos sculpted on exotic chord progressions. (Strangely, it features little or no bass guitar, focusing instead on lead guitar and sequenced keyboards.) Currently, Porter plays bass in the California-based Beatles tribute band White Album Ensemble as well as Stormin' Norman and the Cyclones. He has also toured with Moby Grape
Moby Grape
Moby Grape is an American rock group from the 1960s, known for having all five members contribute to singing and songwriting and that collectively merged elements of folk music, blues, country, and jazz together with rock and psychedelic music...
during its occasional partial reunions.
With the Doobie Brothers
- Toulouse StreetToulouse StreetToulouse Street is the second studio album by American rock band The Doobie Brothers, released in 1972 . Toulouse Street is the name of a street in the French Quarter of New Orleans.-Track listing:Side One...
(1972) (US #21) - The Captain and MeThe Captain and MeThe Captain and Me is the third studio album by American rock band The Doobie Brothers, released in 1973. It features some of their most popular hits including "Long Train Running", "China Grove" and "Without You". The album is certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA.- Recording and content :This time...
(1973) (US #7) - What Were Once Vices Are Now HabitsWhat Were Once Vices Are Now HabitsWhat Were Once Vices Are Now Habits is the fourth studio album by American rock band The Doobie Brothers, released in 1974.-Recording and content:...
(1974) (US #4) - Stampede (1975) (US #4)
- Takin' It to the Streets (1976) (US #8)
- Livin' on the Fault LineLivin' on the Fault LineLivin' on the Fault Line is the seventh studio album by the American rock band The Doobie Brothers, released in 1977. It is one of the few Doobie Brothers albums which did not produce a hit . Still, the album received modest critical acclaim...
(1977) (US #10) - Minute by MinuteMinute by MinuteMinute by Minute is the eighth studio album by American rock band The Doobie Brothers, released in 1978. The album contains their biggest hit, the Grammy-winning "What a Fool Believes". "Depending on You" and the title track were also released as singles...
(1978) (US #1) - One Step Closer (1980) (US #3)
- Cycles (1989) (US #17)
- BrotherhoodBrotherhood (The Doobie Brothers album)Brotherhood is the eleventh studio album by American rock band The Doobie Brothers, released in 1991 .-Track listing:#"Something You Said" – 4:48#"Is Love Enough" Brotherhood is the eleventh studio album by American rock band The Doobie Brothers, released in 1991 (see 1991 in music).-Track...
(1991) (US #82)