Gregory Porter has bought Jazz to the modern era with his smooth original tracks as well as captivating renditions of the classics. Since hitting the mainstream in 2014 with his third album ‘Liquid Spirit’ which earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Vocal Jazz Album, he’s toured the world sharing his natural gift for performing. Here we take a look at five of Gregory Porter’s top five live performances and appreciate his silky-smooth voice.
Gregory Porter: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
Accompanied solely by his pianist Chip, this 17-minute video allows Gregory’s tender strength to shine through. As he sings, you can hear his wide smile that brings a sense of calm on the opening track ‘No Love Dying’. Porter’s voice is known for a strong yet soothing effect. Sharing his thoughts on this he said, “I was soothed by my voice as a child and I think that’s the same thing others get from it. I’m trying to heal myself with these songs”. Watch this one whenever you need a self-appointed therapy session or simply want to unwind.
Gregory Porter & Guests: Tribute to Prince – Purple Rain | Later… With Jools Holland – BBC Two
In honour of Prince upon his passing, here Gregory Porter leads a star-studded ensemble consisting of Mumford & Sons, Baaba Maal, The Very Best, and more through a rendition of Prince’s hit ‘Purple Rain’. The magnitude of Gregory’s voice takes the group through the verses and crescendos, touching the audience with his sleek baritone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kORBDYBV6eU
Gregory Porter – Holding On (Live In Berlin)
As one of the biggest tracks from his 2016 Grammy-Award winning album ‘Take Me To The Alley’, ‘Holding On’ is an uplifting Jazz track that comes to life with a band, building tension with subtle drums before leading into a fantastic saxophone solo. Porter’s effortless spirit shines here, as ‘Holding On’ becomes a joyous, multi-dimensional song in a live setting with a purity that’ll speak to your soul.
SEE MORE: Let’s Get It On: The Best Love Songs Ever
‘It’s Probably Me’ Live At The Polar Music Prize Ceremony
With eighteen million views, this one is the most watched Gregory porter performance on YouTube. It’s not hard to see why – this cover of Sting & Eric Clapton’s song is knocked out of the park, with the help of The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. A pared back instrumental allows Gregory to find his effortless flow, clearly enwrapping his audience in the process. Once again, Gregory Porter proves his ability to make whatever song he takes on his own.
The Christmas Song (BBC Christmas Performance)
Anyone who has listened to Gregory Porter sing will know he has a voice made for Christmas songs. Embodying the traditional Christmas feeling, a merry Porter creates one classy cover of Nat King Cole’s classic with his charm. This one will make you want to cuddle up beside the fireplace while gazing at a lit-up Christmas tree, no matter what time of the year it is.
Gregory Porter’s next album ‘All Rise’ will be released on April 17th. Check out his latest single released on Valentine’s Day, ‘If Love Is Overrated’.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4qpF6hu0bBBrhrLuHgAUTR?si=xjI8_MgrTd-ZUmcVqCovyg
