7/10

Until around this time last year, Gregory Porter was relatively unknown outside of the jazz and soul scene in the UK. But after collaborating with Disclosure for their comeback single 'Holding On' last year, the vocalist has seen a huge rise in not only his professional profile but his presence in the dance community as well. Porter spent much of last year in Ibiza, using his incredible voice to promote his own sound, which now seems to have more roots in the dance scene as well as the jazz scene.

His latest record 'Take Me To The Alley' opens with his own take on 'Holding On', which serves as a juxtaposition between his most well-known song and his own personal direction. Initially, it creates this tone that sets up the rest of the album and gives the listener a broad sense of what to expect. Essentially this is jazz music at its most accessible. Puritans of the genre will claim it to be some kind of pop hybrid, but essentially it is good and powerful stuff from a man who really knows what he is doing.

Soothing and enjoyable throughout, 'Take Me To The Alley' is a record that perfectly highlights the eclectic range of this bold vocalist. His lack of exposure so far has been almost criminal and this will certainly give him the building blocks to a bigger fanbase soon.