Gregory Porter, the two-time Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist, made his highly anticipated debut in the UAE at a sold-out concert on Saturday, March 11, at the Emirates Palace, as part of the activities of the twentieth edition of the festival, which is being held under the honorary patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Honorary Founding Sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Festival. The festival is held under the slogan “The will to develop, the yearning for leadership”, as its exceptional activities will continue until March 20, in the presence of a distinguished group of the most prominent musicians and major international artists.
Porter has performed original tracks from his albums Liquid Soul (2013) and Walk Me Down the Boardwalk (2017), as well as a captivating ensemble of jazz classics, with Chip Crawford on piano, Emmanuel Harrold on drums and Typhon Pennicott. on saxophone, and Jahmel Nichols on bass.
Her Excellency Hoda Ibrahim Al-Khamis, founder of the Abu Dhabi Group for Culture and Arts, founder and artistic director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, indicated that the festival, in its historic twentieth session, renews its commitment to consolidating Abu Dhabi’s position as the capital of culture and arts and a global incubator for creators, by presenting exclusive production and commissioning works for major international artists, who are eager to The public to enjoy their art, and see their exceptional achievement.
Her Excellency said: “We are pleased to present this year the jazz legend who won a Grammy Award twice, and who is the owner of one of the most popular jazz releases of all time with 20 million views, as his participation in the Abu Dhabi Festival, accompanied by great musicians, such as: Chip Crawford, Emmanuel Harold, Tyvon Pennicott and Jahmal Nichols are a landmark event for their true talent, inspiring presence and unforgettable musical experience.”
Gregory Porter was known as the “warm baritone voice”, as he was considered, at the beginning of the second decade of the current century, to have a distinctive imprint that combines jazz music, religious chanting and hymns. Porter has an exceptional talent for presenting the classic masterpieces of jazz alongside the most modern contemporary works, and he has excelled in continuing the long-standing legacy of great jazz artists, such as: Nat King Cole, Donny Hathaway, and Stevie Wonder. His international fame began with his first Grammy nomination in 2010 for his debut album, “Water”. After his contract with the American record company “Blue Note”, he gained wider fame for his third album, “Silil Cyril”, which achieved number two on the list of best-selling jazz albums and won a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album.
The festival is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Assistant to the President of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority for Women’s Affairs and Chairwoman of the Supreme Committee of the Gifts Initiative. A distinguished presence of the most prominent international musicians and artists, as it presents many exclusive commissions, productions, and premieres of local, Arab and international works, in addition to distinguished educational and community events, including: musical tours, panel discussions, and workshops.
