Gregory Porter, Revival | Track Review 🎵

Gregory Porter brings the spirit on “Revival,” the epic promo single and closing cut from his sixth studio album, All Rise.

Grammy-winning musician Gregory Porter is an incredibly gifted, versatile musician.  Sure, he’s best characterized as a jazz vocalist, but has the ability to dip into multiple genres.  His pipes are absolutely stunning. A prime example of Porter’s versatility is the song at hand, “Revival,” which appears as the final track on his sixth studio album, All Rise, which arrives April 17, 2020.  Even if you don’t consider yourself a jazz aficionado or enthusiast, “Revival” just might change your mind.  Mark my words – this Porter, Oliver Rockberger, and Troy Miller co-write is special!

Maybe the first thing to note is that “Revival” expands beyond a jazz script. Yes, it’s jazz, but it’s not solely jazz. Gregory Porter infuses the blues, soul, and gospel into the mix.  Furthermore, the anchoring rhythmic groove is hip enough for 2020 without ultimately compromising or sacrificing the sanctity of jazz and its classic sounds and cues.  What I’m saying is, there’s a hint of pop sensibility without this being a pop record.

Porter as a vocalist gives us a balanced performance, not revealing all his cards initially.  He saves some of his soulful nuances and runs until the “Revival” percolates.  Furthermore, he’s accentuated by an epic sounding gospel choir, and punchy horns.  The spirit is definitely patterned after the high-flying feel of a church revival or ‘tent meeting.’  One particularly moment that shines is when “Revival” is unapologetically ‘jazz,’ with some sick, rhythmic ‘comping’ from the pianist (Miller) towards the end.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Gregory Porter ‘does his thing’ on “Revival.” Vocally, he’s superb.  Musically, Troy Miller delivers an awesome arrangement/production, and all of the musicians excel at their respective roles.  The songwriting, which we didn’t even mention until now, also gets an enthusiastic thumbs up.  What’s not to like about “Revival?” Nothing by my estimations – I’m on board!

Gregory Porter • All Rise • Decca • Release: 4.17.2020

Photo Credit: Decca