Band and Business Keep Singer-Songwriter Busy

Camille Porske, lead singer and songwriter of the band Camille’s Blues Box, is not one to just sit around and wait for rock stardom to come to her. She’s busy.

Besides fronting the band, which is playing at Duffy’s in Glendale this Saturday, she’s busy writing new material for the group’s second CD and promoting its first album, “Anything That Means Everything.” The album was released last month on Real Soul Records, a company Porske runs out of her home.

“I have a lot of goals,” Porske says. “I just wish I had a twin sister.”

Porske, who lives in Glendale, speaks earnestly about running her own label, negotiating a distribution deal and trying to secure radio airplay. But what does the music sound like?

“It has a funk edge to it,” she says. “It sometimes falls into R&B.;”

Besides being very busy, Porske is also very good.

The album’s blues-flavored rock showcases Porske’s considerable vocal talent with capable accompaniment from the band. Porske’s husky, soulful vocal stylings are distinctive, set against the band’s Hammond organ-based sound.

Porske, who originally hails from upstate New York, came out to Los Angeles about four years ago with the sole intention of making it in the music business. She’s been busy ever since.

The band and the album both grew out of some regular Friday night jam sessions at the Kibitz Room at Cantor’s Deli on Fairfax Avenue in Hollywood. Besides Porske, the band consists of guitarist David Black, bassist Nick Sharpe, drummer Johnny Haro and Joseph Simon who doubles as keyboardist and musical director.

With Simon assuming the producer’s mantle, the band recorded the album’s nine original tunes in a 24-track analog studio in just 10 hours. The tape was then mastered onto digital audio tape.

Porske says Simon has been busy too. It was his careful preparation that made the quick recording session possible, she contends.

“It’s really important to have a good producer. If it wasn’t for him, it wouldn’t have happened,” Porske says. “He’s basically the guy who brings everything together.”

Besides staying busy with the business end of her music career, Porske intends to keep performing as well. The band, which still plays most Fridays at Cantor’s, also performs regularly at Studio City Bar & Grill and Duffy’s.

“I want to do more live shows,” Porske says. “My CD is a representation of me, but people get a different representation when they see you live.”

* Camille’s Blues Box plays Friday at Duffy’s Pub, 204 1/2 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. No cover. Call (818) 242-2956.

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Heart Songs: Several prominent rock musicians, including members of the Doobie Brothers and Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, are slated to perform in a benefit concert Tuesday night in Hollywood to raise funds to help pay guitarist Chris Pinnick’s medical bills.

Pinnick, formerly the lead guitarist of the band Chicago, suffered a massive heart attack on New Year’s Eve. He was treated at UCLA Medical Center and is now recovering at his home in Reseda. His doctors, however, predict Pinnick will need further surgery, possibly even a heart transplant.

Musicians who have so far pledged to appear include Tim Bogert of Vanilla Fudge and Beck, Bogert & Appice, Chet McCracken of the Doobie Brothers, Clarence Clemons of the E Street Band, plus Gregg Bissonette, Alphonso Johnson and Delaney Bramlett.

In addition to the music, several music companies are donating items to be used as raffle prizes to raise more funds. Prizes include a guitar that will be signed by everyone involved at the concert and a two-day San Diego vacation.

Pinnick can be heard on records with Chicago, Herb Alpert, John Klemmer and other big-name music acts. In the course of his career, his guitar playing has been featured on three gold and three platinum records.

Besides his recording career, Pinnick performed locally as a member of the Buds along with McCracken and Buddy Sklar. Over the last few years, the Buds were featured regularly at the now-closed Pelican’s Retreat in Calabasas, B.B. King’s Blues Club in Universal City and other area venues.

* Friends of Chris Pinnick Benefit Concert will be at 8 p.m. March 12 at the Musicians Institute, 1655 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood. Tickets are $20. Call (805) 583-5093.

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Contributions can also be sent directly to the Chris Pinnick Trust Fund, c/o David Geren, Attorney at Law, 15760 Ventura Blvd., Suite 2020, Encino, CA 91436, Attn. Chet McCracken.