This album holds a special place in my heart as one of the few I listened to the year it was released. I was in the music program at San Diego State University when I first heard this album by Gregory Porter—a fellow SDSU graduate just beginning to make waves in jazz. This album has been deeply influential in my musical journey, and listening to it now feels like a nostalgic return to those days.

Gregory Porter grew up in Bakersfield, California, with seven siblings, a loving mother who was a minister, and an often absent father. He graduated high school in 1989 and earned a full athletic scholarship to SDSU as a football lineman. Sadly, an injury in his junior year ended his football dreams. Around that same time, his mother, who was battling cancer, encouraged him with her parting words: “Sing, baby, sing.”

After this, Porter eventually moved to Brooklyn, New York, where he worked as a chef while performing in local jazz clubs. There, he formed a band that became his touring group.

Be Good, his second album, was released before he signed with Blue Note Records. His third album, Liquid Spirit, went on to win Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 2014 Grammy Awards.

My Listening Tips/Ideas: There are so many beautiful analogies with painting themes throughout this song. Here are a couple hints to help you listen to his lyrics.

Gesso, is a liquid that helps to prepare (prime) the surface of a canvas for painting. It causes the surface to be slightly textured and available to accept paint. If you didn’t use gesso on the canvas beforehand, the paint would soak into the canvas instead of sitting on top.

He also says “Like Motley and Bearden, these masters of peace and light…”

Archibald Motley was an African American artist celebrated for capturing Black culture in Chicago during the 1920s and 30s. His paintings are known for their vibrant use of color and their expressive style. Romare Bearden, another influential artist, focused his early work on themes of unity and cooperation within the African American community. The New York Times described him as “the nation’s foremost collagist.”

One of my favorite moments in this song is the climax around 3:40. Gregory holds everything back until this incredible moment of release. Also the piano solo in the middle of the song is amazing. Listen to Chip Crawfords use of his left hand. I love listening to his choices in comping with the right hand, doubling it, or harmonizing with himself.

Hope you enjoy!

We are like children, we’re painted on canvases
Picking up shades as we go
We start off with gesso
Brushed on by people we know
Watch your technique as you go

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Step back and admire my view
Can I use the colors I choose?
Do I have some say what you use?
Can I get some greens and some blues?

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We’re made by the pigment of paint that is put upon
Our stories are told by our hues
Like Motley and Bearden
These masters of peace and light
Layers of colors and time

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Step back and admire my view
Can I use the colors I choose?
Do I have some say what you use?
Can I get some greens and some blues?

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My name is Michael Sanchez and I’m an avid record collector and obscure song searcher. My goal is to post (hopefully) one song a day that’s been on my stereo/turntable frequently. If you don’t like the song… too bad 🙂 You can just wait for the next one. All the info I find is from wikipedia/youtube/interviews/news articles/personal stories I’ve heard/random googling. Sorry if there are any mistakes 🙂

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