Gregory Porter Bluesfest Sideshow

Overview

It's unbelievably satisfying to see a jazz vocalist received as a brilliant pop artist. Porter, who made the change from a potential career in American football to sultry jazz after a shoulder injury in college, has been sharing the product of his near-perfect pipes around the world since his first release Water in 2010.

Porter's style is incredibly versatile, leaping between smooth jazz and a frenetic Motown energy with apparent ease. His vocal range is exceptional, sliding through the octaves like it ain't no thing, maintaining an incredibly deep and resonant timbre that keeps the sound bound together. The versatility isn't lost on the music elite, as Porter appeared alongside Jools Holland, in their 2012 song Sweet Country Love Song.

Since 2010, Porter has released four albums, and the most recent two have both taken out Best Jazz Vocal Album awards at the Grammys. It's not surprising, as Porter's sound, which slows down into soulful ballads at points throughout the records, appeals to a huge variety of audiences, especially anyone who has a soul—just give him half a chance and Gregory Porter will deliver a knock out punch straight into the feelings.

Catch Gregory Porter at Bluesfest 2017 in Byron Bay, or at his Sydney Enmore Theatre sideshow on Wednesday April 12.