‘When I was 18 or 19, I didn’t know what I wanted to say. But now I’ve experienced pain, rejection, love and optimism’
Listening to Gregory Porter talk has a similar effect to lying in a hammock or soaking in a warm, deep bath. His speaking voice is as comforting as his singing voice – a smooth, slow, rich, reassuring baritone that makes you feel all is well in the world.
It’s the same with his latest album Christmas Wish, a loving tribute to the jazz singer’s favourite time of year, which celebrates the festive period but is also steeped in nostalgia for his childhood and longing for lost loved ones.
“It’s an opportunity to keep my family in my life, so that they’re still there and the emotion and passion that comes from that feeling finds its way into the music,” says Gregory, 52, jetlagged but charming as we sit in his record label’s London office after he has flown in from the
