Live
Gregory Porter: Royal Albert Hall, London 14/10/21
“What an honour to be back in this house” beamed Gregory Porter to his adoring faithful. The thrilling “Revival” opened the show, with Porter’s soaring vocals rightly prominent in the sound mix. “This really is a revival, for us all, and if I have learned anything in the last few months it is that love is of the utmost importance” explained Porter. Love is the central theme to many of Porter’s compositions. “Faith in Love” is the essence of Gregory Porter, honey-soaked vocals with a soulful, jazzy feel.
No question that Porter has hit the big time now. The sight of a 32-strong City of London Symphonia behind him on the Royal Albert Hall stage raised the audience’s anticipation level. Porter’s band comprised of Chip Crawford on piano, Ondrej Pivec on Hammond organ and a brass section of four. Three strong backing vocalists complimented Porter’s effortless vocal power.
In a set largely comprised of songs from his 2020 album “All Rise” Porter held the crowd captivated for almost two hours. There were special moments when he and his longtime pianist, Chip Crawford, shared a musically intimate introduction before the band and strings joined.
“If Love was Overrated” was lifted by the strings and the track of the night followed, “Concorde” with Porter’s supersonic voice soaring above all to magnificent effect. “It’s all about home, the most soulful place there is” he noted.
A poignant moment came when Porter dedicated the track “No Love Dying” to his brother Lloyd who passed away due to COVID. This song had a different arrangement to the recorded version and at one stage all three backing singers were nodding their heads in appreciation of Porter’s heartfelt performance.
“Dad Gone Thing” brought a vibrant gospel call and response with his backing singers. “Mister Holland” contained one of many wonderful sax solos by Tivon Pennicott. Other tracks of particular note included “Hey Laura” and the rousing “Liquid Spirit” which, when Porter said “everybody clap your hands” the audience obliged.
A Triumphant “Phoenix” closed the set, with a singalong “You Can Join My Band” encore sending the crowd home fully satisfied. Porter's exemplary set, rich resonating voice and sincere emotion, certainly support his brother Lloyd’s childhood affirmation that his brother “is the best singer in the world.”
A quick mention for the support set from talented Scottish jazz singer-songwriter Georgia Cécile, accompanied by Euan Stevenson on piano and Andrew Ross on bass. Singing tracks off her recently released debut album “Only The Lover Sings” a classy performance included the Duke Ellington-inspired “Harpoon”, the beautiful “Come Summertime” and the emotional “Bittersweet”.
It is a testament to Cécile’s vocal ability and charisma that she held the attention of the audience, you could hear a pin drop at the end of her set as she created the atmosphere of a small jazz club in the cavernous surroundings of the Albert Hall, which is no mean feat.
PHOTOS: DAVE BURKE
Words CHAZ BROOKS
