Out of the Fire, Out of the Flames

Revival Song from All Rise by Gregory Porter brings me joy. I'm not a jazz or a gospel guy, but I'd be lying not to admit that this particular combination of the two has been my absolute jam over the last few weeks. This whole is greater than the sum of its parts. When the chorus of this song kicks in, I ascend. Come with me.

Gregory Porter's warm baritone is as smooth as a fresh jar of Skippy... almost. In the first chorus, he uses this little vocal inflection/affectation when he says, "flames." That's just the wrinkle I need to give my goosebumps their own goosebumps, especially coming on the heels of the first "HIGHER" refrain. My goodness, it sounds like magic. I can't quit listening to it. The detail is remarkable on headphones. Though it's not an intimate performance. Revival Song sounds just as good, if not better when turned up to eleven on my surround system. I can practically smell the old church pews and straw in the tent.

The vocal performance is exquisite, filled with emotion and craft in equal parts. The backing vocal harmonies are pure power, slicing through the mix like a brass section, which is also present. There's nothing lost though. There's no mess. The clarity on this track is superb. Subterranean bass chugs along under crisp claps and a rollicking upright piano. Porter is Nat King Cole revived, telling the news to anyone who will listen.

It's me. I will listen.

Data

Song: Revival Song
Album: All Rise
Artist: Gregory Porter
Genre: Jazz, Gospel
Year: 2020
Length: 3:35
Composer: Gregory Porter, Oliver Rockberger, Troy Miller
Producer: Troy Miller