DEC 8 | GREGORY PORTER
Dec 08, 2024
Paramount Theatre, Oakland
Recommended by Terence Blanchard
"Gregory Porter is a vocalist who has the unique ability to create music, stemming from the jazz tradition while steeped deeply in the history of soul. His approach to phrasing is a unique one where you can hear the history of R&B as well as an appreciation for the history of jazz vocalists."
ABOUT THIS SHOW
A two-time GRAMMY-winner and seven-time nominee, Gregory Porter has undoubtedly become jazz’s most celebrated male vocalist, “a jazz singer of thrilling presence, a booming baritone with a gift for earthy refinement and soaring uplift” (The New York Times). He returns to the Paramount with a terrific quintet and music from across his meteoric career.
After the triumph of his 2010 debut Water and follow-up Be Good, Porter broke through to mainstream stardom with his Blue Note debut Liquid Spirit, winning the 2013 GRAMMY for Best Jazz Vocal Album. He repeated the GRAMMY and chart success of Liquid Spirit with 2016’s Take Me to the Alley and has released a string of highly personal projects including 2017's Nat “King” Cole & Me, 2020’s All Rise, and his most recent session, 2023’s Christmas Wish, offering Porter’s inimitable takes on beloved holiday classics.
Raised in the hardscrabble city of Bakersfield, the budding vocalist grew up with seven siblings who all sang and worked in their mother’s skid row mission. Growing up around rollicking tent revivals offered ideal training for his future career as a master musical storyteller. Porter brings the same soul-stirring authority to jazz settings, revealing powerful truths with heart and grace. Don’t miss this season highlight performance.
A two-time GRAMMY-winner and seven-time nominee, Gregory Porter has undoubtedly become jazz’s most celebrated male vocalist, “a jazz singer of thrilling presence, a booming baritone with a gift for earthy refinement and soaring uplift” (The New York Times).
Gregory Porter has most of what you want in a male jazz singer, and maybe a thing or two you didn’t know you wanted.
The New York Times
Gregory Porter has most of what you want in a male jazz singer, and maybe a thing or two you didn’t know you wanted.
The New York Times
Personnel
Gregory Porter vocals
Tivon Pennicott tenor saxophone
Ondrej Pivec organ
Chip Crawford piano
Jahmal Nichols bass
Emanuel Harrold drums
The arrival of a great jazz artist with long-range staying power… A major jazz talent.
DownBeat on Gregory Porter
Personnel
Gregory Porter vocals
Tivon Pennicott tenor saxophone
Ondrej Pivec organ
Chip Crawford piano
Jahmal Nichols bass
Emanuel Harrold drums
The arrival of a great jazz artist with long-range staying power… A major jazz talent.
DownBeat on Gregory Porter
Watch & Listen
Gregory Porter
Christmas Wish
Gregory Porter
Silent Night
Gregory Porter
Christmas Wish
Gregory Porter
Silent Night
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