Gregory Porter greatest childhood hero was Nat King Cole, whose voice he imitated in front of the bathroom mirror on a regular basis. Yet it wasn’t obvious that the Los Angeles born and bred baritone would shine on the concert stage. As a teenager Porter was a very talented American football player, but a persisting shoulder injury put a stop to his sporting career. Luckily, Porter, who was already performing at small jazz clubs at the time, had always kept in touch with the music world and thus can now boast the success he dreamt of as a boy. Porter’s deep, dark voice has an edge to it, but is also warm and enticing. At the same time the American vocalist, who released his first album only last year, has a technically perfect singing style, mid-way between jazz and soul.
”Finally! Another jazz singer with chops and soul to sit alongside the mighty Kurt Elling. I am so excited about this artist. Originals, offbeat covers, a superb band and a voice both elastic and soulful.This record is effortless and bursting with class.” BBC Radio 2
“I don’t know where this guy came from, or where he’s going, but this singer Gregory Porter is on to something.” Jazz Weekly
“Porter may count (Nat King) Cole as his primary influence, but his vocals and his ability to spin a musical yarn call to mind…Joe Williams, Jon Hendricks, Lou Rawls and Kevin Mahogony.” Soultracks.com
