Everybody is talking about newcomer Gregory Porter's incredible vocal mastery - from jazz luminary Wynton Marsalis who has called him "a fantastic young singer" to Gilles Peterson and Jamie Cullum. Porter's acclaimed debut recording for Motema is imbued with measured, graceful lyricism and whilst reflecting influences as different as Nat "King" Cole and Donny Hathaway it has an emotional intensity that is very much his own. Included on the CD are striking interpretations of the classic songs "But Beautiful" and "Skylark" together with seven original compositions, all of which personify Porter's world view. Produced by saxophonist, pianist and composer Kamau Kenyatta, 'Water' also features legendary alto saxophonist James Spaulding best known for his appearances on iconic Blue Note albums of the 1960's by Freddie Hubbard, Horace Silver and others."It is the quite startling voice and well marshalled charisma of Gregory Porter that mark him out as a substantial addition to the canon of jazz singing." - Jazzwise Review (4 stars) Intelligent lyrics...startling voice and well marshalled charisma...mark him out as a substantial addition to the canon of jazz singing. -- Jazzwise, (Kevin Le Gendre), March 2011His voice is a commanding instrument that lends itself beautifully to the varied tempos and mixed material represented on this album. -- Jazz Journal, (Peter Gamble), September 2011The cover of Skylark is well-nigh perfect. Porter, an admirer of Nat King Cole, has left an impressive calling card. --The Sunday Times, (Clive Davis), June 12, 2011