On the Record: Gregory Porter's "Christmas Wish"

Gregory Porter’s first ever Christmas album, Christmas Wish, was released in November 2023 via Blue Note/Decca Records/Universal Music. It’s a loving tribute to his favorite time of year – and to great songwriters, singers and interpreters including Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Dinah Washington, and Nat King Cole. In addition to this list of world class names, Porter himself has added to the Christmas catalogue with three original tracks, soon to be favorites for the festive season.

Backed by his long-time band and produced by repeat collaborator Troy Miller, with orchestral contributions recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, the album includes inspired interpretations of carols, jazz-age standards and soulful sixties deep-cuts including "Silent Night", "Little Drummer Boy", Marvin Gaye’s "Purple Snowflakes", Stevie Wonder’s "Someday At Christmas" and Frank Loesser’s "What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?", which features a powerhouse guest appearance by double GRAMMY-winning vocalist Samara Joy.

The theme of sharing and caring at Christmas, and the sense of renewal and revival that comes when the year draws to a close, is all here in Porter’s most personal contribution – his trio of new, self-penned songs, "Christmas Wish", "Heart For Christmas" and first single, "Everything’s Not Lost.” This elegant piano ballad is Porter’s persuasive plea to remember those less fortunate than ourselves.

“I'm always thinking of balance” he explains. “That has been instilled in me, and it keeps coming up in a lot of my music. At your highest, at your greatest, at your most pleasant time, don't forget about other people who are suffering.”

On 12/6, the day before Porter’s concert at the Paramount, Blue Note/Decca/Universal will release a Deluxe version of Christmas Wish, featuring newly recorded tracks by the vocalist.

The first of these is his take on the beloved James Bond theme song, ‘We Have All the Time in the World,’ with UK producers Cam Blackwood & Swindle. First sung by Louis Armstrong in 1969, it only became a hit single 25 years later. Today, 30 years after that, Porter brings his distinctive, warm tones to the timeless track. Standing out from the rest of the album, here we see him working with new musicians, with them bringing a new sound, the glittering instrumentation breathing new life into a familiar tune, while still paying homage to the original.

Porter says of the single, “I chose this song because at this time of year we need nothing more, nothing less, only love. This powerful message of the lyric is just extraordinary to me, and an honour to bring to the people, refreshed and renewed.”

Gregory Porter performs at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland on 12/8. Tickets and more information are available here.