{"product_id":"gregory-porter-take-me-to-the-alley","title":"Gregory Porter – Take Me To The Alley","description":"\u003ch4 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"78\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eTake Me to the Alley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e by \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eGregory Porter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"80\" data-end=\"481\"\u003eOn \u003cem data-start=\"83\" data-end=\"105\"\u003eTake Me to the Alley\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eGregory Porter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e continues to refine the warm, deeply human sound that has defined his career, blending jazz, soul, and gospel influences into a cohesive and emotionally direct statement. The album carries a strong thematic thread of compassion, morality, and social awareness, delivered through Porter’s signature baritone voice and unforced sincerity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"483\" data-end=\"1039\"\u003eThe record is anchored by a tight, sympathetic ensemble led by pianist \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eChip Crawford\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, whose subtle harmonic work provides a steady foundation for Porter’s vocals. The rhythm section - featuring bassist \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eAaron James\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and drummer \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eEmanuel Harrold - \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003emaintains a relaxed but grounded groove throughout, allowing the songs to breathe while still retaining momentum. Saxophone contributions from \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eTivon Pennicott\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e add melodic colour and understated emotional lift where needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1041\" data-end=\"1525\"\u003eTracks like the title song \u003cem data-start=\"1068\" data-end=\"1092\"\u003e“Take Me to the Alley”\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem data-start=\"1097\" data-end=\"1111\"\u003e“Holding On”\u003c\/em\u003e exemplify Porter’s ability to turn simple melodic ideas into powerful, hymn-like statements. The music feels reflective but never static, often building gently toward moments of emotional release without losing its sense of restraint. Meanwhile, songs such as \u003cem data-start=\"1372\" data-end=\"1397\"\u003e“Don’t Lose Your Steam”\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem data-start=\"1402\" data-end=\"1426\"\u003e“French African Queen”\u003c\/em\u003e bring rhythmic variety and a more playful energy, showing the breadth of Porter’s stylistic reach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1527\" data-end=\"1807\"\u003eLyrically, the album is shaped by a concern for empathy and human dignity, often framing everyday experiences in a larger moral or spiritual context. This gives the record a unifying sense of purpose, even as it moves between ballads, mid-tempo grooves, and gospel-tinged anthems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1809\" data-end=\"2073\"\u003eUltimately, \u003cem data-start=\"1821\" data-end=\"1843\"\u003eTake Me to the Alley\u003c\/em\u003e stands as one of Gregory Porter’s most focused and emotionally grounded works - an album that prioritises message, warmth, and connection over technical display, while still showcasing the sophistication of modern jazz performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2075\" data-end=\"2085\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTracklist:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col data-start=\"2087\" data-end=\"2414\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"tqohih\" data-start=\"2087\" data-end=\"2109\"\u003eHolding On – 5:01\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1alpjuv\" data-start=\"2110\" data-end=\"2143\"\u003eDon’t Lose Your Steam – 3:17\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"owewof\" data-start=\"2144\" data-end=\"2176\"\u003eTake Me to the Alley – 5:16\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1n5yvpe\" data-start=\"2177\" data-end=\"2197\"\u003eDaydream – 3:51\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"osppdu\" data-start=\"2198\" data-end=\"2229\"\u003eConsequence of Love – 3:20\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ejai44\" data-start=\"2230\" data-end=\"2252\"\u003eIn Fashion – 4:34\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1dk35vd\" data-start=\"2253\" data-end=\"2282\"\u003eMore Than a Woman – 3:31\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"uzsooh\" data-start=\"2283\" data-end=\"2304\"\u003eIn Heaven – 4:18\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"10g4vp1\" data-start=\"2305\" data-end=\"2325\"\u003eInsanity – 5:37\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1hgjo1d\" data-start=\"2326\" data-end=\"2354\"\u003eDon’t Be a Fool – 4:31\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ab696d\" data-start=\"2355\" data-end=\"2382\"\u003eFan the Flames – 4:12\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"xvoo2k\" data-start=\"2383\" data-end=\"2414\" data-is-last-node=\"\"\u003eFrench African Queen – 3:44\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Qj5z4SbrH20?si=Mmtcn7SWvMDhIrPB\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blue Note Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53637365727574,"sku":"0602547814432","price":4.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1009\/1013\/7686\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_ad23b590-67d7-461d-8f55-cd467a6204c1.jpg?v=1778678231","url":"https:\/\/www.sounds-grounds.co.uk\/products\/gregory-porter-take-me-to-the-alley","provider":"Sounds + Grounds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}