Born in California in the early 70s, Gregory Porter is the kind of jazz singer that comes round once in a generation. His majestic blues-baritone voice could have fronted a Count Basie band, as pointed out by John Fordham, though it benefits from all kinds of deeply-absorbed influences, from Nat King Cole to Stevie Wonder.
It was at St. Nick’s Pub in Harlem that he got a foothold in the music industry, becoming a resident singer and developing a touring band. He signed to Blue Note in 2013 for the release of his third album, Liquid Spirit, which introduced the world to his singular presence, extreme poise and enduring tone, earning him a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album in the process.
Liquid Spirit broke the mold, proving that a 20+ track jazz album could still have mainstream appeal. It further demonstrated just how strongly audiences connected with Porter and his ability to weave poignant and timeless stories into his lyrics.
2016’s Take Me to the Alley brought Porter his second Grammy as he continued to expand an already-impressive audience, gaining almost pop-star status with international performances that drew spectators of all ages, colors and creeds.
His most recent album, 2020’s All Rise, harks back to his gospel, church-going roots, enlisting a choir and exploring the restorative powers of both faith and music. It confirms his gift for consistency as the latest in a string of records that balance, with staggering mastery, the twin virtues of tonal depth and soaring uplift.
Qwest TV is honored to welcome Gregory Porter as the latest Guest Curator, a singer that reminds you, over and over, just how beautiful the listening experience can be. His personal pick of concerts and documentaries pays tribute to some of his spiritual and musical mentors: John Coltrane, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Nat King Cole (via his brother, Freddy) and the tenor sax/bass clarinet player David Murray, an artist with whom he has formed an impressive collaboration.
Rowan Standish Hayes
