Gregory Porter hosted a seasonal cocktail of music with a festive flavour on BBC2 last night. Gregory was joined by special guests: singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae; 24-year-old musical phenomenon Jacob Collier; legendary British saxophonist Courtney Pine; and one of the UK’s best-loved jazz singers Clare Teal. Featuring standards from the Great American Songbook, together with a carol or two, and some of Gregory’s personal favourites, performances include Merry Christmas Baby, Silent Night, Take me to the Alley and The Christmas Song.
Filmed in an intimate ‘jazz club’ setting in Cardiff Bay, Merry Christmas Baby has all the ingredients of a joyful winter warmer - the perfect offering for a mellow Christmas night.
John Taylor
3 comments :
I watched it on Catch-up John and I agree it was as good as those type of shows invariably are albeit a little too much on the gooey/schmaltzy side at times. Nevertheless, apart from Gregory, it was good to hear Courtney playing tenor and Jacob Collier is certainly an incredible singer/musician and Clare and Corinne also sounded in good voice.
I wonder who the trumpet soloist was?
Gregory introduced the rhythm section but not the horns or the strings and the credits at the end flew past so quickly I don't know if they were credited or not.
Also, why does everyone refer to the 'Christmas Song' as being by Nat King Cole? I know he had a big hit with it but people seem to forget that it was actually written by Mel Tormé.
That aside, it was thoroughly enjoyable season-fare
The trumpet soloist was Ryan Quigley.
Quiggers - of course! For once he stayed out of the stratosphere. Lovely solo.
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