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There are singers who simply have that silky‑smooth something something. Gregory Porter is near the top of that list. If you’ve never listened to him, stop reading and put him on. His voice is magical.
On April 11 at 7 p.m., the Adrienne Arsht Center will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the Ziff Ballet Opera House by featuring Porter in a special concert presentation.
Some voices are unmistakable. In the soul realm, Donny Hathaway and Frankie Beverly come to mind. And like Sinatra, Elvis, Michael Jackson, Nat “King” Cole — some voices just have it. When Porter sings “Everything You Touch Is Gold,” you hear that same rare quality. He may not be as universally famous as those icons, but give that creamy baritone ten minutes and you’ll be hooked.
The Arsht Center, now a world‑class operation in every sense, could have chosen any number of performers for its anniversary. Choosing Gregory Porter says something about both the institution and the man.
Though I won’t be able to attend — and I regret it already — reading about the engagement sent me straight to Spotify. I put on “Brown Grass,” “Insanity,” “I Fall in Love Too Easily,” and “Hey Laura.” Porter sings classics, Christmas tunes, tributes, everything — but his original work is where he shines. His albums are powerful and prolific, somehow both under‑the‑radar and mainstream. He even won the 2014 Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album for Liquid Spirit.
Recently, Timothy Chalamet questioned the relevance of traditional art forms like opera and ballet, suggesting they’re being preserved despite fading interest. The comment drew quick pushback from artists who saw it as dismissive of centuries‑old institutions.
I think the criticism of Chalamet is a waste of energy. I don’t know if he’d lump jazz into that critique, but some people certainly do. They’re mistaken. Ballet, opera, dance, jazz, classical music — all of it is splendid. Take the time. Show some interest. Period.
I’m no jazz expert, but if you give any of the thousands of brilliant artists a chance, you’ll be glad you did.
Gregory Porter is one of the most successful jazz vocalists of his generation, a voice that can stop a room and soften a heart. If you can, go see him at the Arsht Center. In a world that moves too fast, a voice like his reminds us to slow down and feel something real. If you can, go see him at the Arsht Center. You’ll understand immediately why his voice — and this celebration — matter.
