Two Grammy winners got together for a soul fest at Disney Hall, mixing past present and future.
The hip team of Peter Martin/key, Romero Lubambo/g, Reginald Veal/b and Terreon Gully/dr got the Disney Hall into the mood for soul with a sleek read of “Summertime” before Ms. Reeves floated to centerstage to deliver a multi-octave version of the Fleetwood Mac hit “Dreams.” The rhythm team produced a funky pulse as Reeves recalled her past on a whimsical “Nine” before turning Miles Davis’ “All Blues” into a mix of field holler and gospel track. Her voice was both earthy and ethereal on the uplifting “Light In the Air” turning the theater into a camp fire sing along. What a unifying thing music can be.
It’s possible to appreciate Gregory Porter if you’ve never stepped into a church, but it sure does help. The son of a pastor takes you to his Sunday morning service with Chip Crawford/p, Emanuel Harrold/dr, Jahmal Nichols/b and Timon Pennicott/ts as he preaches with the cadence of a sermon on the uptempo “On My Way To Harlem” as Pennicott delivers the responding “Amen”. He testified about helping the helpless on the inspiring and inspired “Take Me To The Alley” while he got the congregation ready for the Holy Spirit on “ Clap Your Hands” His piece “Water Under The Bridge” had his molasses thick voice joined with Crawford’s piano like a meditative recitative, while he came across as a foreboding prophet on “Musical Genocide” and “Poppa Was A Rolling Stone.” Porter delivers soul music from where it originates, from God himself, and it could be felt in the sincere performance of this man touched from above.
Upcoming shows at Disney include Mar 18 Herbie Hancock and April Jose James