'Issues of Life' (Features and Remixes) by Gregory Porter

The fact that this compilation even exists genuinely serves as an incredible testament to Gregory Porter's furious work ethic.

Since his 2011 debut on Motema Records with 'Water', wasting no time at all he swiftly followed that release the following year with 'Be Good' before transitioning over to Blue Note Records and releasing the hugely successful 'Liquid Spirit' in 2014.  How he has found time in between these releases to record as many guest spots as he has is beyond me... but that's what this project is - an excellent compilation of his guest spots over the years.

The inclusion of Opolopo's boogie-infused remix to the classic and breakthrough Gregory Porter anthem '1960 What' is a wise inclusion here, as are all of his contributions to Zak Najor's funky-jazz Zbonics project ('Time To Do Your Thing') and David Murray's Infinity Quartet album, 'Be My Monster Love', from Motema Records which thankfully means that 'Army of the Faithful' is included here which is quite possibly the star of this release.

Purists be warned though - this compilation does not serve as the definitive collection for everything Porter has floating around.  Unfortunately, and inexplicably, both of his contributions to The Rongetz Foundation album ('Brooklyn Butterfly Session', 2012) are not to be found here which is a shame, his duet with Dianne Reeves ('Satiated') from her album 'Beautiful Life' (2013) also deserves to be heard, plus his two appearances on Nicola Conte's 'Love and Revolution' album sadly didn't find a home here and would have been strong numbers to have included, notably 'Do You Feel Like I Feel?'.

Here's the tracklist below for a truly excellent compilation by one of the shining lights in jazz music today:

1. Great Voices of Harlem - Moanin' (Radio Edit)
2. David Murray Infinity Quartet feat. Gregory Porter - Be My Monster Love
3. Zbonics & Gregory Porter - Issues of Life
4. David Murray Infinity Quartet feat. Gregory Porter - About the Children
5. Zbonics & Gregory Porter - Just in Time
6. David Murray Infinity Quartet feat. Gregory Porter - Hope Is a Thing With Feathers
7. Zbonics & Gregory Porter - Nowhere to Run
8. Zbonics & Gregory Porter - She Danced Across the Floor (automart Remix)
9. Gregory Porter - 1960 What? (Opolopo kick and bass rerub)
10. David Murray Infinity Quartet feat. Gregory Porter - Army of the Faithful
11. Zbonics & Gregory Porter - She's Gone
12. Kentyah, M1, Brian Jackson & The New Midnight Band feat. Gregory Porter - Song of the Wind