SHARI PUORTO – Hold On – review

SHARI PUORTO – Hold On – review
Shari Puorto

If you are one of the five people who know me, in real life, then you’ll know that I am very much a fan of Ms Puorto. For full disclosure, we have developed a friendly relationship over the years with Shari recording promos for my much missed, British Blues Award nominated radio show, back in the day.

I’ve slavered in quite unseemly fashion over her previous releases and, if you go to her website, you’ll see that I’m the originator of one of the blurbs on the front page. “If you’ve been here before, you should have no doubt that Ms. Puorto is a fabulous singer. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, she’s right up there with Bonnie Bramlett in my pantheon of soulful blues singers, and I don’t give higher praise than that…”

So, obviously I’m biased. I’ve heard (and enjoyed) her five previous studio albums. And her live album. Which is where you want to go for the full Puorto experience. Although I drew the line at listening to her childrens blues album / story book. Although it looked fantastic. Anyway, here’s the latest release. Shari reckons it’s a bit of a departure from her previous records. And she’s right. There’s less pure blues and it’s moved into a seventies styled roots rock sound. And even some funk. If you think I’m making that up, take a listen to ‘In The City’. Which is probably my favourite song on the album.

It also sounds great, so a big shout out to producers, Doug Woolverton and Scott Chasolen. They’ve also co-written some of the material while the album also has two songs by Shari and the late, great Barry Goldberg. One of those, the heart wrenching ‘Forever More’ is just lovely. I’m also crushing a little bit on the keyboards on ‘You’re Right, I’m Wrong For You’. Grow up, lad!

Strange to relate, the record this most reminded me of is not one that most of you will have to hand. And that’s the 1972 self titled release by Genya Ravan. Yes, I said it. Goldie out of Goldie And The Gingerbreads. As you’ve probably never heard that album, you’ll just have to take my word for it. This isn’t as rough and ready but the dipping in and out of styles made it pop into my head. For those of you who only read the mainstream music press, mid-period Bonnie Raitt. Pre pop hits.

Shari is, of course, in tremendous voice. She’s been one of my favourites since I first heard “Down The Road”, back in (good grief) 2008. Her voice is just as good now, as it was then. I’m, frankly, getting tired of telling you what an absolute shower you are, for not making her a household name but you’ve still got a chance to redeem yourself.

The album comes out 1st March, 2025 and you can pre-order digital (boo!) and CD (hurrah!) here – https://www.sharipuorto.com/hold-on-new-release