Gregory Porter - On My Way To Harlem / 1960 What (Jazz & Cole Edits)

Year Released: 2012 (Edits released 2013)
Genre: Vocal Jazz / Soul / Nu-Jazz

Description:

Originally featured on Gregory Porter’s acclaimed debut album Be Good (2012), “On My Way to Harlem” and “1960 What?” stand as modern soul-jazz anthems, steeped in history and emotion. The Jazz & Cole Edits — issued a year later — give these already powerful tracks an extended, club-friendly reimagining, emphasizing groove and atmosphere without diluting their lyrical depth.

“On My Way to Harlem” is a heartfelt ode to the legacy of Black artistry — referencing Duke Ellington and Langston Hughes — carried by Porter’s warm, resonant baritone and a walking jazz rhythm tinged with nostalgia. Jazz & Cole’s re-edit subtly stretches the arrangement, enhancing the percussive swing and letting the instrumentation breathe for late-night listening sessions.

“1960 What?” is the political counterpart — a soul-jazz protest song evoking the energy of 1960s civil rights movements. Built around a modal jazz groove and fiery horns, it channels the spirit of Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On with a contemporary edge. The edit emphasizes the track’s hypnotic bassline and extended piano vamps, transforming it into a deep, socially conscious dancefloor burner.

Together, the edits reaffirm Gregory Porter’s ability to bridge classic jazz tradition and modern sensibility — timeless, resonant, and rhythmically magnetic.