Gregory Porter: NPR Music Field Recordings

Subway entertainers are a mixed bag, but in the arts mecca of New York City, they're often overqualified — so much so that bands and other musical acts need to audition to even set up underground. And those are just the "official" performers.

Gregory Porter has the frame of a football linebacker — maybe because he once was one, for a Division I college — and the rich, booming voice you might expect from a guy with such lungs. It cuts through a crowd with its strength, in the manner of an old-school soul singer; it demands attention with its sensitivity. If Porter weren't winning over the international jazz club and festival circuit, he'd rise above the din wherever he went.

Of course, it wasn't the most practical (or legal) thing to actually get Gregory Porter to perform on an operational MTA train. So we asked him if he'd perform for us at the New York Transit Museum in downtown Brooklyn, a collection of vintage memorabilia and reconditioned cars housed in a former subway station. All the better: Porter has a way with vintage suits, and there was a fortunate coincidence about the way it all felt right among the period-specific ads which flanked him. Accompanied by pianist Chip Crawford — who perfectly punches and beds the gaps here — Porter sang his original "Be Good (Lion's Song)," a parable of unrequited affection (which NPR Music named one of our 100 favorite songs of 2012) and the title track from his latest album.

At the beginning of the video, we scrambled for some visual direction to lead into the singing itself. We were looking for a prop for Porter to be reading, so I dug into my backpack and found the current edition of the New York City Jazz Record, a monthly guide to music in the city. Porter has a new album in the works, and, given the charisma and conviction on display here, he might just make the cover of that publication himself when it comes out. -- PATRICK JARENWATTANANON

CREDITS
Produced by Saidah Blount, Mito Habe-Evans and Patrick Jarenwattananon; Videographers: Gabriella Garcia-Pardo, Mito Habe-Evans, Tim Wilkins; Audio engineered by Kevin Wait; Video edited by Gabriella Garcia-Pardo and Mito Habe-Evans; Special thanks to the New York Transit Museum

[plrumme]

Tenderful. Love the way he holds on to the strap while he's singing.

[anthonyevilblack]

The 1st time I heard this song from Gregory Porter I fell in love with the music and his soulful voice. I love the video where a little girl dances around him. And 10 years later I play this song to my 18 month old baby girl and I sing to her this is our song daddy’s and BayLee’s song. Thank you Gregory Porter for making such beautiful song and music. Eternally grateful your fan
Anthony Amezcua

[erica]

first time hearing Gregory Porter....his voice makes me smile. :-)

[JustShining]

Beautiful :) He could play a lion... especially in "The Wiz" or "The Wizard of Oz" - This makes me think of that somehow lol ...love it.

[tressadukes]

I can listen to G.P. sing all day. :-)

[giuliardizanetta]

Thanks Mr. Porter and Crawford, great music!!!

[diowil]

This version is completely magical for me. I like all the other versions (videos included) of this song, but the antique subway car and the historic "ads" on the car and the simplistic nature of a great singer (crooner if you will) and his ivory tickler (pianist) ... it's all soooo right.  Love this!

[DosPalomitas]

This is wonderful. Such a great performance, and super clear audio quality. It's just sublime! Thank you, NPR, Mr. Porter and Mr. Crawford!!!

[streetcornersongbird]

After watching this probably 30 times, I have to say my favorite part is the pianist drifting into the straight-8th harpsichord-esque melody. Gregory's face says "Oh, god damnit..you're too much, Chip."

[ebonymcknny]

Gregory can sing and I can hear everything he is saying he is not mumbling like some singers

[elsiej]

Thanking the powers that be that this music exists.

[pschittos]

No fashion effect in his voice. Just natural.
A very good Chip Crawford... turning around waltz.

And yes, very pleasant camera shot with nice recording. Thanks to NPR

[christiandabarcaa]

both in their own planets, sharing one soul. the soul in movement, love the pianist style.

[johnharris]

This is still one of my favorite NPR field recordings ever. NPR and COLORS have released some of the best live versions of songs I’ve ever heard

[simonesavatori]

great voice, amazing recording,  cool videography and outstanding job on the piano by Chip Crawford, he makes this harmony shine from so many angles

[todddavis]

No offence to anyone, but am I the only one that thought "Louis Armstrong", except smooth. Thank you so much NPR for showing me Gregory Porter. Unbelievable, beautiful voice, I am blown away! HEY NPR PLEASE PLEASE HAVE BEN HOWARD ON! Peace&Love

[iamkamauDET]

This dude here!!! #mindblown *exploding hands*

[WGBHMusic]

I LOVE this. One of the best Field Recording to date. Way to go, NPR Music! Great work as usual.

[godslove]

Gregory Porter is a wonderful singer to me. And I love the piano player Chip Crawford. I love this one doesn't always have to have a baby grand piano to play on to me it shows the real talent that Chip Crawford has he could play a child's piano and do a wonderful job.

[noirprncess]

This is the song that made me fall in love with the magic of Gregory Porter.