Gregory Porter – Liquid Spirit
Eastside Radios album of the week is Liquid Spirit by Gregory Porter.
The songs in this album tell stories of his experiences and emotions during different times of his life. It’s also a message to the world about different contemporary issues concerning those today. It reflects timeless and universal experiences such as love and heartbreak; this is conveyed brilliantly by Porters amazing vocals and the talented band support of Chip Crawford (Piano), Aaron James (Bass), Emanuel Harrold (Drums), Tivon Pennicott (Tenor Sax), Yosuke Sato (Alto Sax) Curtis Taylor (Trumpet) and Glenn Patscha (Hammond B3). Overall this is a mesmerizing compilation of contemporary jazz.
His album is introduced with the song; No Love Dying, in this heart warming song we hear a wonderful story of compassion; Porter begins with an experience with an injured bird whom he helped nurse back to health. As we continue throughout the song we hear more and more stories of the love in our world. Porter sings a message to us all reminding us to not let the bad of the world bring us down as we hear his perseverance in keeping the world a better place with his small acts of kindness.
His album’s featured song: Liquid Spirit, is an upbeat and playful song. The rhythm is refreshing and uplifting to hear, as is of course intended by Porter. Its lyrics suggest that there is a communal need for the so called “liquid spirit” ‘there’s some people down the way that’s thirsty so let the liquid spirit free’. His song is representative of how the musical world is deprived of true soulful music such as his and with this song he gives them what they need. The album as a whole is his gift to the deprived ears of the musical community.
The song Lonesome Lover begins with an enticing drum solo, followed by a sax harmony. Gregory Porter’s strong vocals sing his plea to be where he belongs (with the one he loves). Water under bridges starts with a soft piano solo; this is a reminiscent song with a nostalgic tune. It contrasts the overall atmosphere of his album, unlike his other songs, this one sings about the times in our lives when some things seem worse than others and how sometimes others may get us down. The album continues with Hey Laura, Musical Genocide, Wolfcry, Free, Brown Grass, Wind Song, The In Crowd, Movin’, When Love Was King, I Fall In Love Too Easily.