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The timeless classic, ‘The Christmas Song’, was written by Bob Wells and Mel Torm\u00e9 and was first recorded by the Nat King Cole way back in 1946 one summer’s day in an attempt to feel cool, by thinking cool. The definitive Cole version was recorded with a full orchestra in 1961, and has become one of the best-loved holiday songs ever released.<\/p>\n
Speaking of the song, Gregory Porter said,<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIts not Christmas till you smell the chestnuts roasting on the open fire! The Christmas song is a true classic, and for me, Nat King Cole\u2019s version is the definitive. I have fond memories listening to it as a child and to record it in tribute to Nat, is no doubt the best gift I will receive this year.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Gregory has had yet another landmark year in the UK \u2013 becoming the\u00a0biggest selling jazz artist of the year\u00a0so far after his new album\u00a0\u2018Nat King Cole & Me\u2019\u00a0hit\u00a0No.3\u00a0on the Official UK Album Chart. It is his highest ever chart position\u00a0and\u00a0biggest-selling first week. \u2018Nat King Cole & Me\u2019 is also Gregory\u2019s fastest streamed album to date, hitting one million streams three times\u00a0faster than his previous album, \u2018Take Me To The Alley\u2019.<\/div>\n[space height=”10″]<\/div>\nCommenting on the success of the album, he said,<\/p>\n
\n“I’m very grateful for the success of \u2018Nat King Cole And Me\u2019. This is a deeply personal project and a humble tribute to Nat\u2019s incredible music. I can trace his influence back to when I was five or six years old, when Nat\u2019s music filled a void in me when my father wasn\u2019t in my life and wasn\u2019t showing interest in me. Nat\u2019s words were the life lessons, words of wisdom and fatherly advice I needed.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The new album marks the first time Gregory has recorded with a full 70-piece orchestra, under the baton of six-time Grammy-winning conductor and arranger\u00a0Vince Mendoza. Gregory will also be embarking on aUK tour in April next year, including two nights at the\u00a0Royal Albert Hall\u00a0where he\u2019ll be joined by an orchestra.<\/div>\n[space height=”10″]<\/div>\n\u2018Nat King Cole & Me\u2019 is the follow-up to Gregory\u2019s Grammy-winning albums \u2018Liquid Spirit\u2019 (2013) and \u2018Take Me to the Alley\u2019 (2016). \u2018Liquid Spirit\u2019 took Gregory from being the biggest name on the jazz scene to being one of the most sought-after singers around today, performing sell-out shows across the UK and being invited to perform on high profile TV programmes including\u00a0The Graham Norton Show\u00a0where he recently performed with movie legend\u00a0Jeff Goldblum, as well as on Strictly Come Dancing, and the BBC Music Awards. He has become an adopted national treasure in the UK, visiting number 10 Downing Street, and singing for the\u00a0Queen\u00a0multiple times, as well as major music festivals including\u00a0Glastonbury, where he performed on the Pyramid Stage alongside the likes of Muse, Adele and Coldplay.<\/div>\n[space height=”10″]<\/div>\nGregory Porter’s ability to transcend genres even extends to his surprise dance hit, \u2018Liquid Spirit Claptone Remix\u2019, which became one of the most popular tracks in Ibiza. Gregory has even launched his own TV series, ‘Gregory Porter\u2019s Popular Voices’, on BBC4, which started on December 1, focusing on his favourite vocal showstoppers, celebrating Ella Fitzgerald, Mahalia Jackson, Freddie Mercury, Prince, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey and featuring conversations with artists including Dave Grohl, Beck and Adam Lambert.<\/div>\n[space height=”10″]<\/div>\nAfter winning over audiences with his rich and soulful voice, there can be no better time for Gregory to return to the music which first inspired him to become a singer. On Nat\u2019s legacy and influence Gregory affirms,<\/div>\n\n\u201cHe was one of a kind. He left such great music \u2013 such beautiful things to listen to that you can\u2019t help but be influenced by that extraordinary timbre, style, and ultimate cool.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n