GREGORY PORTER
It
was literally standing room only at The Mint Saturday night as jazz singer
Gregory Porter took the stage and performed before an appreciative and
enthusiastic sold out crowd.
In
the tiny, but popular Pico Boulevard venue Porter, wearing his signature bow
tie and black hat, didn’t disappoint as he flowed in, out and between some of
his most popular songs.
It
was already a warm, humid night in Los Angeles, but Porter brought even more
heat with his luscious lyrics and tight band that included a bass, piano, drums
and a bad-ass sax bringing up the rear.
His
style has been described as shades of Donny Hathaway and Bill Withers and Nat King Cole. That’s high praise, indeed. However, Porter’s style is clearly his
own. His music has depth and
emotion.
Some
artists are only good on their CDs after they’ve been enhanced with technology.
Porter’s voice is clear and present. His showmanship and warm repartee with his
audience makes him seem like an old friend. Porter’s show was nothing short of impressive!
A
Los Angeles native who was raised in Bakersfield, but now resides in
Bedford-Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn, Porter has two CDs to his credit, his 2010
debut, Water and his latest offering,
Be Good. However, the evening felt
like the tall, burly singer was presenting a decades-long discography.
Of
course, he performed songs from both CDs.
His turn on the hip On The Way to
Harlem, 1960 What and Be Good (Lions Song), sent the crowd whirling.
But
they were just as excited to hear the intimate Illusion, as well as Real Good
Hands and Painted on Canvas.
The
Grammy-nominated recording artist is known for his simmering ballads, as well
as up-tempo grooves. He’s just as effective doing both.
What
a great night of music!!!
Some
music critics have been skeptical about where music is going. Jazz enthusiasts and critics can rest
easy. The genre is safe in Gregory
Porter’s hands.
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