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Every now and again I run across an artist that really blows my mind. When this happens, I'm moved to share my good fortune with kindred spirits.
Gregory Porter is a musician, a "bluesician," a "jazzician," a soulful funkster, a melodic magician, a rhythmic romancer, a vocal Baryshnikov....Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, Nat "King" Cole, Howlin' Wolf, Steve Wonder and R Kelly rolled into one....and just an overall cool cat. He calls himself a jazz singer. Yet, he reminds us that musical categories are artificial; employed by record companies to market music to the masses.
He was raised in California by a single mother with roots in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. His mom grew up in the southern, black church with the blues at her hip on every southern street. So, Gregory grew up consuming gospel, blues, jazz, soul and R&B with his mother's milk. As he says, all these forms of music are "very close cousins," and he now blends them masterfully.
He is a renaissance man reminiscent of Paul Robeson. He played linebacker at San Diego State with NFL Hall of Famer, Marshall Faulk, before he suffered an injury which forced him to pursue his true passion...music. He's worked and toured for several years as a theatrical actor on stage and even worked as a chef to make ends meet.
Finally with the release of his Grammy nominated debut album, "Water," he took the music world by storm. Gregory now resides in New York City and tours heavily.
Check out the video and title track from his sophomore album, "Be Good." The pure artistry of this video displays his theatrical roots and reminds me of why artists are essential to the human experience...in fact, it may be artistic expression that makes us truly human.
"Like bare feet on hot concrete," we must now be parting. As always...
Until we rendezvous...
Peace!!
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