Be Good
Gregory Porter
Format: Compact Disc
Description
'Be Good', the follow-up to acclaimed vocalist Gregory Porter's debut album 'Water', features nine inspired original compositions plus three standards including "Work Song" and "God Bless the Child". 'Water' was voted the No.1 Album of 2011 by Jazzwise and Porter shot to the top of the jazz charts in 2011 following TV appearances on Later With Jools, Hootenanny and Carole King's Christmas Special.
In the short eight months since Gregory Porter exploded onto the UK music scene he has racked up a continuing stream of accolades and awards. When Jazzwise selected it as the No.1 Jazz album of 2011 the magazine praised it for its "outstanding original songs, erudite lyrics and social comment, top drawer musicianship and improvisation, and a voice to die for".
'Be Good' is a musical compendium of groove-driven delights, ranging from quiet ballads to up-tempo burners, from romantic charmers to powerful, blues-tinged anthems. It finds Porter surrounded by the core of his powerhouse working band with richly emotional horn arrangements by Kamau Kenyatta and production by Brian Bacchus, who produced Norah Jones' Grammy® -winning 'Come Away with Me'.
A disarmingly sincere performer, with a groove that never quits, a voice of incredible virtuosity and a seemingly universal appeal as a songwriter, it is unsurprising that Gregory Porter has been hailed as the future star of vocal jazz.
Press Quotes
(5 stars) Porter has made the best vocal album for an age, following his impressive debut Water with a leap forward into greatness. The rich, soulful voice is what you notice first but his original songs full of social conscience and sentiment are enhanced by beautifully underplayed production and musicianship.
The Independent on Sunday, (Phil Johnson), February 5, 2012
(5 stars) Veers from simmering ballads to stomping, Motown-inspired soul jazz that displays Porter's populist touch without watering down his artistry.
Jazzwise, (Kevin Le Gendre), March 2012
(5 stars) As flawlessly elegant as it is heartfelt and moving Porter is in total vocal and artistic control throughout.
Time Out, (Mike Flynn), February 23, 2012
(4 stars) Porter continues to reveal his gift for lyrical storytelling with carefully crafted tracks, focusing on heartfelt observations.
BBC Music Magazine, (Neil McKim), March 2012
(4 stars) It's not often that a record turns up from a jazz label with chart hit so clearly inscribed upon it...the rich baritone of Brooklyn-based Porter is deployed to potent effect.
The Times, (John Bungey), February 11, 2012
(4 stars) The singing is immaculate all the way through, and there's plenty of blowing space from some dynamic improvisers, notably saxophonists Yosuke Sato and Tivon Pennicott.
The Guardian, (John Fordham), February 17, 2012
Video
More Info
| Key | Value |
|---|---|
| Catalogue number | 233488 |
| Barcode | 0885150334881 |
| Number of items | 1 |
| Packaging type | Digipak |
| Imported | No |
| Weight | 60g |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 140mm x 7mm x 125mm |
Disc 1
Track Listing — Disc 1
| Song Title | Time | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Painted on Canvas | - |
| 2. | Be Good (Lion's Song) | - |
| 3. | On My Way to Harlem | - |
| 4. | Real Good Hands | - |
| 5. | The Way You Want to Live | - |
| 6. | When Did You Learn | - |
| 7. | Imitation of Life | - |
| 8. | Mother's Song | - |
| 9. | Our Love | - |
| 10. | Bling Bling | - |
| 11. | Work Song | - |
| 12. | God Bless the Child | - |
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Water Gregory Porter
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As seen on Later WIth Jools 2011 Hootenany show. Everybody is talking about newcomer Gregory Porter's incredible vocal mastery ? from jazz luminary…
