Vinyl Record

Gregory Porter - Liquid Spirit

Gregory Porter – Liquid Spirit (2LP): modern vocal jazz with soul warmth. A standout record to pick up from Kilmorna, Listowel for deep, late-night spins.

2LP · 2013

Available from Kilmorna Collection in Listowel.

Buyer notes: 2013 2LP, currently available from the Kilmorna Collection vinyl shelf. Pay for pickup in Listowel or ship within Ireland for EUR 5.50.

Gregory Porter’s Liquid Spirit captures that rare sweet spot where modern jazz, classic soul and songwriter craft all meet without sounding forced. His voice is the headline—big, velvet and reassuring—but the record works because the band and arrangements stay responsive to the story in each tune, moving from intimate ballad pacing to more rhythmic, groove-led moments. Across the set you’ll hear Porter balancing originals with smartly chosen standards, giving the album the feel of a night’s programme rather than a single mood. There’s a sense of optimism and dignity running through it, even when the themes turn reflective. Played on vinyl, it’s an album that invites full-side listening: you settle in, let the room tone build, and the songs do the heavy lifting. For many listeners it’s the record that turned Porter from “promising” into “essential,” and it remains one of the best entry points if you want contemporary jazz that doesn’t ask you to leave melody, warmth, or hooks at the door.

Liquid Spirit helped reintroduce vocal jazz to a broad audience without watering down the genre’s core strengths—tone, phrasing, swing and songcraft. It’s a modern classic in the sense that it plays equally well for jazz heads and soul listeners, and it rewards repeat listens as you start to follow the band interplay and lyric detail.

This title commonly appears as a 2LP set, which suits the album’s generous running time and keeps the grooves comfortable for better dynamics. If you’re crate-digging for a “one record does the job” vocal jazz pick—something you can play for company or sink into alone—Liquid Spirit is a dependable choice. Condition and pressing details can vary, so it’s worth checking the specific copy if you’re chasing a particular edition.

Warm, full-bodied vocal front and centre, with clean midrange detail for piano and horns. Groove sections have good weight; ballads lean spacious and late-night. Overall: smooth, soulful and easy to turn up.

Recommended for: listeners who love modern vocal jazz with strong melodies; fans of soul-inflected jazz and contemporary crooners; anyone building a starter jazz shelf beyond the obvious classics; late-night listening, dinner music, and relaxed weekend spins.

What style of jazz is Liquid Spirit? It’s modern vocal jazz with strong soul and jazz-pop crossover appeal—melodic, groove-friendly, and built around Porter’s distinctive baritone. Is this a good first Gregory Porter album? Yes. It’s widely seen as a standout entry point because it balances accessible songwriting with genuine jazz feel and top-tier vocal performances. Why is it on 2LP? The album is long enough that a 2LP configuration helps preserve sound quality and dynamics by giving each side more breathing room.