Gregory Porter: NPR Music Field Recordings
Музыка
Subway entertainers are a mixed bag, but in the arts mecca of New York City, they're often overqualified - so much so that bands and other musical acts need to audition to even set up underground. And those are just the "official" performers.
Gregory Porter has the frame of a football linebacker - maybe because he once was one, for a Division I college - and the rich, booming voice you might expect from a guy with such lungs. It cuts through a crowd with its strength, in the manner of an old-school soul singer; it demands attention with its sensitivity. If Porter weren't winning over the international jazz club and festival circuit, he'd rise above the din wherever he went.
Of course, it wasn't the most practical (or legal) thing to actually get Gregory Porter to perform on an operational MTA train. So we asked him if he'd perform for us at the New York Transit Museum in downtown Brooklyn, a collection of vintage memorabilia and reconditioned cars housed in a former subway station. All the better: Porter has a way with vintage suits, and there was a fortunate coincidence about the way it all felt right among the period-specific ads which flanked him. Accompanied by pianist Chip Crawford - who perfectly punches and beds the gaps here - Porter sang his original "Be Good (Lion's Song)," a parable of unrequited affection (which NPR Music named one of our 100 favorite songs of 2012) and the title track from his latest album.
At the beginning of the video, we scrambled for some visual direction to lead into the singing itself. We were looking for a prop for Porter to be reading, so I dug into my backpack and found the current edition of the New York City Jazz Record, a monthly guide to music in the city. Porter has a new album in the works, and, given the charisma and conviction on display here, he might just make the cover of that publication himself when it comes out. -- PATRICK JARENWATTANANON
CREDITS
Produced by Saidah Blount, Mito Habe-Evans and Patrick Jarenwattananon; Videographers: Gabriella Garcia-Pardo, Mito Habe-Evans, Tim Wilkins; Audio engineered by Kevin Wait; Video edited by Gabriella Garcia-Pardo and Mito Habe-Evans; Special thanks to the New York Transit Museum
Пікірлер: 156
The 1st time I heard this song from Gregory Porter I fell in love with the music and his soulful voice. I love the video where a little girl dances around him. And 10 years later I play this song to my 18 month old baby girl and I sing to her this is our song daddy’s and BayLee’s song. Thank you Gregory Porter for making such beautiful song and music. Eternally grateful your fan Anthony Amezcua
first time hearing Gregory Porter....his voice makes me smile. :-)
This is still one of my favorite NPR field recordings ever. NPR and COLORS have released some of the best live versions of songs I’ve ever heard
I can listen to G.P. sing all day. :-)
@teannaabraham9090
6 жыл бұрын
I literally do at work. 10-12 hours a day. It's the music that keeps away the madness. Blessings to you Miss Tressa :-)
Thanks Mr. Porter and Crawford, great music!!!
both in their own planets, sharing one soul. the soul in movement, love the pianist style.
Tenderful. Love the way he holds on to the strap while he's singing.
This version is completely magical for me. I like all the other versions (videos included) of this song, but the antique subway car and the historic "ads" on the car and the simplistic nature of a great singer (crooner if you will) and his ivory tickler (pianist) ... it's all soooo right. Love this!
This is wonderful. Such a great performance, and super clear audio quality. It's just sublime! Thank you, NPR, Mr. Porter and Mr. Crawford!!!
What a beautiful soul. I love everything about him, his voice is beyond soothing.
This is the song that made me fall in love with the magic of Gregory Porter.
After watching this probably 30 times, I have to say my favorite part is the pianist drifting into the straight-8th harpsichord-esque melody. Gregory's face says "Oh, god damnit..you're too much, Chip."
No fashion effect in his voice. Just natural. A very good Chip Crawford... turning around waltz. And yes, very pleasant camera shot with nice recording. Thanks to NPR
Thanking the powers that be that this music exists.
Brings a smile to my face 😊
no words to describe. just smiling tears
No offence to anyone, but am I the only one that thought "Louis Armstrong", except smooth. Thank you so much NPR for showing me Gregory Porter. Unbelievable, beautiful voice, I am blown away! HEY NPR PLEASE PLEASE HAVE BEN HOWARD ON! Peace&Love
great voice, amazing recording, cool videography and outstanding job on the piano by Chip Crawford, he makes this harmony shine from so many angles
I LOVE this. One of the best Field Recording to date. Way to go, NPR Music! Great work as usual.
I was too young to see Marvin Gaye or Donny Hathaway in their early years. But man ! Today I'm so glad to be Gregory Porter's contemporary. He's a genius, what a voice, what a talent.
Beautiful :) He could play a lion... especially in "The Wiz" or "The Wizard of Oz" - This makes me think of that somehow lol ...love it.
@Carlisle73
7 жыл бұрын
My thoughts exactly!
@mothersuperior100
5 жыл бұрын
How could he play the lion when the man sings form his heart already
A breath of 'fresh' air...
Love this man. His voice is beautiful - it transports you. And he's so handsome and elegant. My heart's aflutter! And I know I'm not alone.
Gregory Porter is a wonderful singer to me. And I love the piano player Chip Crawford. I love this one doesn't always have to have a baby grand piano to play on to me it shows the real talent that Chip Crawford has he could play a child's piano and do a wonderful job.
@billieking5793
6 жыл бұрын
Eric Johnson
i cant get enough of his music. I just love him!
Fantastic! Such power, but still with nuance. Love his voice! Pianist is great too!
Perfect. Great improvisation. Great song. Great voice. Gotta love Gregory. Gotta love Jazz
I come back often to listen to this. A favorite
I wasn't expecting that voice! ...Awesome!
Maaaaannnn!! This dude here!!! #mindblown *exploding hands*
I cannot stop watching this. Brilliant and moving.
This lovely gentleman goes straight away to the playlist of my favs :) So stylish and unpretentious.
His voice is so unique I never saw nobody in real life with that voice .For me it’s almost impossible to believe someone like him exists.
This song just makes me swoon.... Love Gregory Porter
This brings me so much joy.
This is just so lovely. What.a.voice!!
Excellent! Great vocals, recording, piano, everything!! Thank you for posting.
This song makes me sooo happy!!
Gregory can sing and I can hear everything he is saying he is not mumbling like some singers
I love Gregory Porter, if anybody has the voice of an angel it's him.
Lovely images and colours, lovely sounds and soft notes , directo al corazón.
That was so beautiful 😍 Thank you Mr. Porter!! I thorughly joyed that piece!!
His voice is amazing
gets me every time love this tune
Chip Crawford amazing too !
@kanorigaud2288
4 жыл бұрын
Rafael Ramírez III Yes! He is amazing.
How to put this on repeat, forever?
@bajoobiecuzican
7 жыл бұрын
Yes... I soooooo agree.... Oh how I love this man's voice... and he has the happiest face I have ever seen.
Absolutely beautiful ♡
Music is........WONDERFUL! Here is an example.
Fantastic!
So beautiful..
I really want to give him a hug.
I love your music brother just Heavenly!!
Beautiful.
Wow. What a voice!!!
Amazing camera shot and amazing song.
gorgeous music Gregory :)
This is adorable. I just want to hug him.
Love You Gregory Porter. See you in Newport!!
Thank you!
That was absolutely beautiful.
My new favorite video/song on youtube.
I really enjoy this mans music. His songs and albums got me through some tough relationship time like the song Illusion is of me and my ex.
love this. smooth
예쁜 건반소리와 포터의 따뜻한 목소리의 조합이네요 ^^
soulful... i'm officially a fan wow!!!!
Amazing :D !
This is feel good music! !!!!
Simply excellent
amazing
Merveilleux!!!
very well done!
lovely.
wonderful
Straight awesome.
Excellent.
awesome!
Awesome.
Beatiful!
relaxing very good!!
I love him
Just great...
That's love, man
Gregory is just the best
Be Good is his mane...she pulled his Lion Tail..beautifully done!!!
♥beautiful
WOW!!!!
Inspira bondat i canta increiblement be. M'encanta........
damnit that's fantastic stuff
I love his sound ... I tire if the hat and all of that but if it makes him cool .. I am all in
Moving!
Perfect
really nice
Favorited, very nice.
Stuck on rewind.....aaahhhhh
???????, that boy can sing, he good!
Good point.........
that outfit though-- on point
Cool Man Cool Song :)
more!
I’m listening to this for the first time in June 2021. Did Mr Porter ever make the cover of the New York City Jazz Record? I hope so.🙏🌞🇬🇧🙏