As we reflect on the state of the world in these troubled times, I have to say I am so grateful for music, for my family, for wonderful friends and the incredible music community of the Twin Cities.

Slim turned to me and said “When you get the chance to take a solo, you gotta take the solo!”

On a night when I couldn’t help but take myself and my endeavors overly seriously, Slim’s generosity, humor and sweet music reminded me to lighten up.

The song “My Friends” is about celebrating friendship and support, and no one epitomizes those qualities more than Slim Dunlap.

“Pretty As You Please” written by Jeremy Porter
Recorded at The Loft, Saline, MI by Tim & Andy Patalan, December 2014.
Performed by Jeremy Porter and the Tucos
STS-31

A song for Slim and Chrissie, inspired by a love that comforts when it can be really difficult to do so, that stays for the hard parts.

I never got to hear the actual song starters, but he gave me some great advice. He told me that I should just start writing bad songs – any songs – and pretty soon I’d write a good one.

I’ve been away from Minneapolis for a while now and haven’t seen a lot of Slim in the last ten years, but I’ve never forgotten how great he was to hang around, how quick he was with a compliment, and how cool it was to play music with him. Thanks Bob! Here’s a wedding song (sort of) for you.

It was an almost dreamlike night in that many unexpected musical moments were happening: emotional tunes, moving performances, skilled improv solos, all of it. This song is about that experience and what it felt like to be at the bar that night. We hope the fun nature of the track reflects how Slim makes everyone feel.