Gregory Porter at Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts

A recent Grammy win for Best Vocal Jazz Album (Liquid Spirit) only confirmed what has been obvious for some time: Gregory Porter’s time has come. As remarkable as his rich baritone voice is, it is his gift for songwriting that truly sets him apart. A natural storyteller, he redefines the emotional tenor of what jazz singing can be, weaving elements of folk, R&B and soul into melodies that seem fresh and timeless at the same time. In his Grammy acceptance speech, Porter recalled the advice of his mother as he considered a career as a singer: “Sing with an understanding.” Like all good sons, he did well to listen, and we all share in the remarkable results...

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A recent Grammy win for Best Vocal Jazz Album (Liquid Spirit) only confirmed what has been obvious for some time: Gregory Porter’s time has come. As remarkable as his rich baritone voice is, it is his gift for songwriting that truly sets him apart. A natural storyteller, he redefines the emotional tenor of what jazz singing can be, weaving elements of folk, R&B and soul into melodies that seem fresh and timeless at the same time. In his Grammy acceptance speech, Porter recalled the advice of his mother as he considered a career as a singer: “Sing with an understanding.” Like all good sons, he did well to listen, and we all share in the remarkable results.

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