Undeniably one of the best voices of our generation, Grammy award-winning singing sensation Gregory Porter shares a Valentine’s treat in the form of his new single ‘If Love Is Overrated’, out today on Decca Records/Blue Note. The heart-felt ballad is taken from his upcoming sixth studio album ‘All Rise’, out on 17th April.
Following on from 2017’s ‘Nat King Cole & Me’ album, which charted at No.3, Porter’s forthcoming record ‘All Rise’ marks a return to his beloved original songwriting – heart-on-sleeve lyrics imbued with everyday philosophy and real-life detail, set to a stirring mix of jazz, soul, blues, and gospel.
The embracing splendour of ‘If Love Is Overrated’ is classic Gregory Porter. Hit play on this gorgeous torch song and tell us you don’t identify with him as he abandons logic for a mere chance at seeing love’s promise bloom. With his irresistibly warming vocals at the forefront, the orchestral string accompaniment evokes a deep sense of romance on a ballad that is guaranteed to become an instant fan favourite.
Speaking of the track, Gregory says,
“’If Love Is Overrated’ is a love song to love, in a pessimistic environment. It is the energy that excites the heart and the head without this love being announced to the world… a secret admiration even.”
This is just one of the many moments of pure joy on the new album. ‘All Rise’, produced by Troy Miller (Calvin Harris, Rag’n’Bone Man, Amy Winehouse) also represents the evolution of Porter’s art to something even more emphatic, emotive, intimate, and universal too. “Yes, you could say that I went big,” says Gregory about the album, which combines the talents of his longtime loyal bandmates, a handpicked horn section, a 10-member choir, and the London Symphony Orchestra Strings.
Since his world-beating 2013 Blue Note debut, ‘Liquid Spirit’, which won the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album, Gregory hasn’t let down his legion of fans, whether collaborating with Disclosure on ‘Holding On’, releasing his dance hit ‘Liquid Spirit – Claptone Remix’ which became one of the most popular tracks in Ibiza, scoring another Grammy for ‘Take Me to the Alley’ (2016), or telling his life story through Cole’s songbook. Porter is still surprised by his runaway success, but he has a theory: “I was soothed by my voice as a child and I think that’s the same thing others get from it. I’m trying to heal myself with these songs.”
Not only has Gregory made chart history by bringing jazz back to the masses, graced the iconic Pyramid Stage and the world’s most prestigious gig venues, performed for the Queen, appeared on the biggest TV shows as well as presented his own series (‘Gregory Porter’s Popular Voices’ on BBC Four), 2019 saw the singer launch and host his own podcast, ‘The Hang’, featuring such distinguished guests as Annie Lennox and Jeff Goldblum. He also became the first celebrity to sing a lullaby on CBeebies Bedtime Stories!
Along with his new album, 2020 sees Gregory take the position of ‘Guest Curator’ at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, performing there on 5th May, and embark upon a major UK tour (9-26 May), with a series of arena shows as well as four nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
As ever, Gregory Porter manages to cut through the noise of genres and the mess of life, bringing his rich, soulful voice and exuberant personality to everyone and everything. And lucky for us that he does.
UK LIVE DATES – MAY 2020:
5th Cheltenham Jazz Festival
9th Manchester Arena
10th Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
11th Leeds First Direct Arena
13th Glasgow SEC Hydro
14th Newcastle Utilita Arena
16th Birmingham Resorts World Arena
17th Hull Bonus Arena
19th/20th/22nd&23rd London Royal Albert Hall
25th Bournemouth International Centre
26th Brighton Centre
For all tour details please go here.
Tickets are on sale now, and are available from Ticketline, or venues.
Gregory Porter’s new album ‘All Rise’ is out on Decca Records/Blue Note on 17th April 2020. You can find Gregory Porter online on his official website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
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