There is an abundance of research showing the correlation between music and healing, but oftentimes the research is devoted to the listener, without regard for the healing the artist may need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While Gregory Porter\u2019s \u201cNat \u2018King\u2019 Cole & Me\u201d is an auditory gem for the listener, the primary audience is Porter himself. The 15-track album \u2013 all but one, covers of Cole classics \u2013 is a therapeutic release for Porter, who said the album is an expression of his wanting for love from his biological father, who has passed away. Porter, a two-time Grammy winning jazz vocalist, said in the absence of his father he adopted Cole as his dad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNat\u2019s music is very important to me. After I lost my father I used to view Nat as a father,\u201d said Porter. \u201cAlthough (\u2018Nat \u2018King\u2019 Cole & Me\u2019) is mostly covers, it\u2019s really a part of me. It\u2019s the sound and environment of my childhood. The underlying message is really me searching for my father.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Titles on the new album such as \u201cI Wonder Who My Daddy Is\u201d demonstrate how personal the project is to Porter. Before \u201cNat \u2018King\u2019 Cole & Me\u201d was an album it was a 2004 theatrical musical produced and starring Porter. The vocalist said the play, and now the album, are a part of his therapy in coping with the absence of his father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy father passed away when I was 20. I was 30 when I wrote the musical and I\u2019m still exercising that feeling,\u201d said Porter, a cast member of \u201cIt Ain\u2019t Nothin\u2019 But the Blues,\u201d the 1999 Tony Award-winning musical. \u201cIn many ways this album is my father\u2019s apology to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Porter will be in Minneapolis singing songs from \u201cNat \u2018King\u2019 Cole & Me\u201d and others from his repertoire when he performs Dec. 1 at the Minnesota Orchestra with members of the orchestra. The 8 p.m. show will be under the direction of conductor and arranger Vince Mendoza and will feature Chip Crawford on piano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n