Gregory Porter

Gregory Porter has signed to Blue Note Records/Universal.

The critically acclaimed vocalist will be the first full-service joint-signing between the iconic Blue Note Records and Universal Classics and Jazz following the acquisition of Blue Note and it’s parent company EMI by music Goliath, Universal Music Group.

Porter has already started work on his third album, which will be released this Fall on Blue Note Records, and serve as his major label debut.

The California-born New Yorker made waves with the release of his 2010 debut album, ‘Water,’ which received a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Porter’s follow-up effort, ‘Be Good’ also received critical acclaim and earned him a second Grammy nod for Best Traditional R&B Performance. Both albums were released under Motéma Music.

Of Porter’s voice, no one can deny there’s something special about this guy. Warm, assured, supremely emotive, and precise vocals with the uncanny imbue of the timeless vocal class and style that has become a true rarity today. Couple that with the Blue Note’s considerable resources and the sky’s the limit.

© Rebecca Meek
© Rebecca Meek

[L-R]: Blue Note President Don Was, Blue Note Recording Artist Gregory Porter, Album Producer Brian Bacchus, UCJ Manager Pascal Bod, and Porter’s mentor and the associate producer of his upcoming album Kamau Kenyatta.

Watch the music video for Gregory Porter’s ‘Be Good’ below: