News / / 04.11.13

GREGORY PORTER + NATALIE COLE

Royal Albert Hall | October 30th

Among a host of names featuring at last week’s Blues Fest 2013, the Royal Albert Hall appearance of Gregory Porter on Wednesday was particularly anticipated. A late bloomer in the public consciousness having initially pursued careers in American football and the theatre, the 42-year-old’s reputation has steadily grown since his 2010 debut album, Water, to the point where he’s now regarded as one of the most important voices in modern jazz. 

For this gig, the Los Angeles-born singer was belatedly joined on the bill by Natalie Cole, daughter of the legendary Nat King Cole – a fitting symmetry given the late jazz legend was a favourite of Porter’s mother and the subject of his 2004 musical, Nat King Cole and Me.

Despite the slightly unfamiliar 10.30pm slot – which perhaps explained the number of latecomers and why it didn’t appear to be a sell out – Porter was promptly on stage and didn’t disappoint, either in wearing his now trademark headgear or in his overall performance. Magnetic and imposing from the off, he opened with On My Way to Harlem, followed by the slower No Love Dying, as an easy rhythm was established, alternating between up and down tempo numbers, while also allowing space for frequent solos from his impressive backing band (among whom drummer Emanuel Harrold was a particular stand-out). Porter drew on the biggest tracks from all three of his albums to date, rounding off with a mazy performance of 1960 What?

But all too suddenly it was over, after just 45 minutes and seven songs. At which point, a slightly bemused crowd was left to wait a further half hour for Natalie Cole to step onstage at 11.45pm.

In fairness to Cole, she was left with not only the difficult task of following Porter, but also had to combat some sound and acoustics issues, as well as a troublesome cold. She didn’t help her cause though, with a meandering setlist that took in her own work, duets with videos of her long-deceased father, covers in Spanish and English and a tribute to “all the R’n’B singers we’ve lost recently”.

There were some highlights, though, notably a rendition of Michael Frank’s Tell Me All About it, but by the time she finished up just before 1am, a substantial section of the audience had already made their exit.

Ultimately, an enjoyable if slightly frustrating evening. Putting two contrasting big-name acts together doesn’t necessarily make for a better evening, particularly when scheduled so late. That said, there was more than enough to encourage repeat viewing when either of these artists are next in town. Just remember that some things are best enjoyed in isolation.

 

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bluesfest.co.uk

gregoryporter.com

Words: Julian Broadhead

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