For Gregory Porter, the influence of Nat King Cole on his life and music runs deep, a through-line that reaches back into some of his earliest childhood memories, and culminates in the release of the two-time GRAMMY-winning vocalist’s stunning fifth studio album Nat King Cole & Me, a heartfelt tribute to the legendary singer, pianist, and Capital recording artist.
Porter’s love for Cole’s music blossomed so much that he adopted Cole as his surrogate father. After his role in the Tony-nominated musical It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues — but before rising to international acclaim in his solo career thanks to his mellifluous baritone, poignant originals, and invigorating concerts — Porter dramatized his deep appreciation for Cole in a semi-autobiographical musical, Nat King Cole & Me, which premiered in 2004.
That musical underpins Porter’s third Blue Note Records release, Nat King Cole & Me, the follow-up to his GRAMMY-winning albums Liquid Spirit (2013) and Take Me to the Alley (2016), which established Porter as his generation’s most soulful jazz singer-songwriter.
Porter will be joined by Sara Gazarek, hailed by the LA Times as “the next important jazz singer.” Gazarek seamlessly combines the intimacy of singer/songwriter stylings with the musical and improvisational elements of jazz. She has a gorgeous, translucent voice, excellent pitch and supple sense of time.
Get Your Tickets!
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
1300 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132
786.468.2000
www.arshtcenter.org
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