Before the Grammy Awards, international acclaim and sold-out concert halls, there was Water. Gregory Porter’s remarkable 2010 debut introduced one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary jazz — a rich, soulful baritone combining the storytelling traditions of jazz with gospel, blues and the emotional directness of classic soul.
Nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album, Water remains an essential introduction to Porter’s artistry. This 2022 Blue Note reissue presents the album across two heavyweight vinyl records, including the Opolopo remix of the powerful 1960 What?.
Water is an album of love, identity and social conscience, carried by Porter’s extraordinary ability to make every lyric feel deeply personal.
The intimate Illusion reveals his gift for understated, emotionally charged balladry, while Pretty and Magic Cup bring warmth, optimism and irresistible melodic charm. His interpretation of Hoagy Carmichael’s Skylark demonstrates a natural command of the jazz tradition, while Wayne Shorter’s Black Nile is transformed through Porter’s addition of lyrics.
At the album’s heart sits 1960 What?, a compelling, extended performance confronting the racial tensions surrounding the 1967 Detroit riots. Driven by an insistent groove and impassioned vocals, it captures the gospel intensity and political awareness that distinguish Porter from his contemporaries.
Throughout, pianist Chip Crawford and an accomplished ensemble provide an organic, expressive setting, allowing the music to move effortlessly between intimate ballads, swinging jazz and rhythmically charged soul.
This Blue Note reissue presents Water on two 180g black vinyl LPs, allowing the album’s expansive performances to unfold across four sides.
Originally released by Motéma Music in 2010, the recording has been brought into the Blue Note catalogue, introducing this landmark contemporary vocal jazz album to a new generation of vinyl listeners.
Supplied new and sealed, with records carefully packaged for safe delivery.
Recorded in Brooklyn during August 2009 and produced by Kamau Kenyatta, Water established Gregory Porter as a compelling new presence in jazz.
The album brings together original compositions and imaginative interpretations of established standards, supported by musicians including Chip Crawford, Aaron James, Emanuel Harrold, James Spaulding and Yosuke Sato.
Originally released to considerable critical acclaim, the album earned Porter his first Grammy nomination and laid the foundations for an extraordinary international career.
This double-LP edition includes the extended 1960 What? (Opolopo Remix), adding a dancefloor-oriented interpretation of one of the album’s defining performances.
LP 1
Side A
Illusion
Pretty
Magic Cup
Side B
Skylark
Black Nile
Wisdom
LP 2
Side C
1960 What?
1960 What? (Opolopo Remix)
Side D
But Beautiful
Lonely One
Water
Feeling Good
Gregory Porter – vocals
Chip Crawford – piano
Aaron James – double bass
Emanuel Harrold – drums
Chuck McPherson – drums
James Spaulding – alto saxophone
Yosuke Sato – alto saxophone
Melvin Vines – trumpet
Curtis Taylor – trumpet
Kafele Bandele – trumpet
Robert Stringer – trombone
Production: Kamau Kenyatta
Title: Water
Artist: Gregory Porter
Format: 2LP 180g Black Vinyl
Edition: 2022 Blue Note Reissue
Label: Blue Note Records
Catalogue Number: 3878242
Barcode: 602438782420
Original Release: 2010 (Motéma Music)
Reissue Release Date: 8 April 2022
Genre: Vocal Jazz / Soul Jazz / Contemporary Jazz
Condition: New / Sealed
Before the Grammy Awards, international acclaim and sold-out concert halls, there was Water. Gregory Porter’s remarkable 2010 debut introduced one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary jazz — a rich, soulful baritone combining the storytelling traditions of jazz with gospel, blues and the emotional directness of classic soul.
Nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album, Water remains an essential introduction to Porter’s artistry. This 2022 Blue Note reissue presents the album across two heavyweight vinyl records, including the Opolopo remix of the powerful 1960 What?.
Water is an album of love, identity and social conscience, carried by Porter’s extraordinary ability to make every lyric feel deeply personal.
The intimate Illusion reveals his gift for understated, emotionally charged balladry, while Pretty and Magic Cup bring warmth, optimism and irresistible melodic charm. His interpretation of Hoagy Carmichael’s Skylark demonstrates a natural command of the jazz tradition, while Wayne Shorter’s Black Nile is transformed through Porter’s addition of lyrics.
At the album’s heart sits 1960 What?, a compelling, extended performance confronting the racial tensions surrounding the 1967 Detroit riots. Driven by an insistent groove and impassioned vocals, it captures the gospel intensity and political awareness that distinguish Porter from his contemporaries.
Throughout, pianist Chip Crawford and an accomplished ensemble provide an organic, expressive setting, allowing the music to move effortlessly between intimate ballads, swinging jazz and rhythmically charged soul.
This Blue Note reissue presents Water on two 180g black vinyl LPs, allowing the album’s expansive performances to unfold across four sides.
Originally released by Motéma Music in 2010, the recording has been brought into the Blue Note catalogue, introducing this landmark contemporary vocal jazz album to a new generation of vinyl listeners.
Supplied new and sealed, with records carefully packaged for safe delivery.
Recorded in Brooklyn during August 2009 and produced by Kamau Kenyatta, Water established Gregory Porter as a compelling new presence in jazz.
The album brings together original compositions and imaginative interpretations of established standards, supported by musicians including Chip Crawford, Aaron James, Emanuel Harrold, James Spaulding and Yosuke Sato.
Originally released to considerable critical acclaim, the album earned Porter his first Grammy nomination and laid the foundations for an extraordinary international career.
This double-LP edition includes the extended 1960 What? (Opolopo Remix), adding a dancefloor-oriented interpretation of one of the album’s defining performances.
LP 1
Side A
Illusion
Pretty
Magic Cup
Side B
Skylark
Black Nile
Wisdom
LP 2
Side C
1960 What?
1960 What? (Opolopo Remix)
Side D
But Beautiful
Lonely One
Water
Feeling Good
Gregory Porter – vocals
Chip Crawford – piano
Aaron James – double bass
Emanuel Harrold – drums
Chuck McPherson – drums
James Spaulding – alto saxophone
Yosuke Sato – alto saxophone
Melvin Vines – trumpet
Curtis Taylor – trumpet
Kafele Bandele – trumpet
Robert Stringer – trombone
Production: Kamau Kenyatta
Title: Water
Artist: Gregory Porter
Format: 2LP 180g Black Vinyl
Edition: 2022 Blue Note Reissue
Label: Blue Note Records
Catalogue Number: 3878242
Barcode: 602438782420
Original Release: 2010 (Motéma Music)
Reissue Release Date: 8 April 2022
Genre: Vocal Jazz / Soul Jazz / Contemporary Jazz
Condition: New / Sealed
