Smokin' Hot Celebration

This past Thursday night at SMOKE Jazz Club (Broadway betweeen 105th and 106th Streets) felt different. There was a palpable buzz in the air as everyone waited for the arrival of Thursday night regular, Gregory Porter. Performing at this venue every Thursday for the past year or so, he's usually greeted with the usual "Hello" and "How are you?" from the crowd.

On Wednesday, Gregory Porter received a Grammy nomination in the Best Vocal Jazz Album category, so it was no surprise he was saluted with thunderous applause when he took the stage. "I hope you will forgive me. I had to take a tranquilizer so I can calm down and perform for you tonight," Mr. Porter said jokingly. We forgave him as he gave us another unforgettable performance.

Learn more about the velvet-toned singer at: http://www.motema.com/artist/gregory-porter.

London Calling

Observations is looking toward London, UK. The amazing debut CD of my super-talented friend, Fred White, under the production name of balam is on sale at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/balam. An eclectic blend of music genres, every tune is unique and evokes its own mood that will delight the ears and the mind. Funk, jazz, lounge and electronica are all part of the CD that will have you daydreaming, toe-tapping, and head-bopping. My favorite tracks are "Twisted Aberrations," an electonica masterpiece of synchopated rhythms and bass, "Hobble," a hauntingly beautiful track that opens with a blend of melancholic chords from the piano and bass that evolves into a smooth groove, and "4 Floors Up," a toe-tapping, head-bopping tune with great energy that I would describe as cool groove. A great stocking stuffer for the music lover in your family.