Shari Puorto

Hold On

Independent

Shari Puorto was raised in Orange, Connecticut. She moved to California sometime in the late 1990’s and began performing all over the state. Her musical influences include rock and blues singers Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt and Etta James. Puorto’s vocal tone and control have been compared to Bonnie Bramlett. Puorto won “Best Female Vocalist” at the South Bay Music Awards in 2004. Puorto released her debut album “Why is the Grass Always Greener?” in 2005; and won the SBMA award again in 2006. Puorto’s follow-up recording 2008’s “Down The Road” was co-produced by Barry Goldberg whose credits include The Electric Flag, and The Chicago Blues Re-union. In 2010 Puorto won a Los Angeles Music Award for her song “Free” off of that album. In 2011 Puorto released her third album, “Real”. Puorto’s fourth album, “My Obsession” was co-produced by Tony Braunagel, a Grammy winner for Taj Mahal’s Phantom Blues Band. For Puorto’s fifth album, “Live At Bogie’s” she won another LAMA for “Best Live Album”. In 2021 Puorto released a children’s album, “Lightning’s Lesson” with guest artists Shemekia Copeland, Duke Robillard, and Tommy Castro. Puorto’s talents extend beyond singing as she was also an actress in a short film/video. Puorto has also contributed to commercial soundtracks, and lent background vocals on multiple live and studio projects. These and other accomplishments make Puorto a force to be reckoned with.

On this new album “Hold On” released this March, Puorto’s co-producers Doug Woolverton and Scott Chasolen have assembled quite an ensemble. Lending support to Puorto’s stunning vocals are guitarist Ryan Ball, bassist Byron Isaacs, and drummer Randy Schrager; while Chasolen, plays keyboards; and Woolverton, trumpet. The album was recorded, mixed and mastered by Ryan Ball at The Gearbox Recording Studio in Paramus, New Jersey.

“Hold On” opens with the title track as Puorto sings “hold on, don’t let faith pass you by, I know it’s worth a fight…there’s many ways when you believe what’s in your heart, now you know you got a start, hold on, hold on, and never let faith pass you by”. with some great trumpet from Woolverton. On “Where Is All The Great Music Going?” written by the songwriting trio of Puorto, Chasolen, and Woolverton, Puerto chimes “I’m thankful for the old days…your loss is a simple song…something that’s rock n’ roll, there is always great funky music all the time and that’s rock n’ roll, there is always great music my friend”.

“Cyclone” includes the lyric “Comin’ round your door, comin’ round, comin’ for you, comin’ round your ground…you try to make it with you…comin’ round, she’s about to blow, she’s comin’ around so now you know”. On “In The City”, Puorto belts out “we can’t run it, we can’t hide, you always quit and your troubles don’t go away…try it again…never alone even in the dark night, can’t find a love in the city”.

“Why Not Me?” is the first of two songs written by Puorto and Barry Goldberg “I’m begging you please…why not me? I’m waiting on you, babe, to come back to my side…I’m the one, why not me? I’m begging you please”. On the second song “Forever More” Puorto chants “when the sun goes down and the night begins to fall…that’s the time your voice begins to call…and let the sun shine in forever more”.

“You’re Right, I’m Wrong For You” Puorto groans “you know it babe, I’m wrong for you…I’m tired of your complaining; your right I ain’t right for you, whoo, whoo, what’s your gonna do”. On the closer “Home Bound” Puorto croons , always in my heart, all my heart, home bound, I love a song that keeps me on the ground, home bound”.

“Hold On” is the newest album from Puorto who now resides in Annapolis, MD. Her captivating tone and natural vocal ability is raw, real and authentic. Shari Puerto is the Real Deal.

Richard Ludmerer
Contributing Editor/Making A Scene

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter