Gregory Porter Turns Sofia Concert into Celebration of Love

Dahnyelle Dymytrov

Sofia,

23.01.2026 12:35

(BTA)

Without a doubt, love is the most important thing in our lives. With this message, Gregory Porter opened his meeting with the audience in Sofia on Wednesday.

He said that it was an honor for him to return to the beautiful city, that he would present music from all of his albums, and that he hoped the audience would enjoy it. He added that everything he would sing about that evening would be connected to love in one way or another. The two-time Grammy winner is known for his velvety voice—a contemporary soul-jazz baritone with deep roots in gospel.

Powerful and gentle

He is often described as someone who can be powerful and gentle at the same time - his high notes are controlled and pure, while his low ones are deep and earthy. He rarely “pushes” his voice; instead, he allows the melody to breathe, creating a sense of natural flow and inner calm, without excessive gestures, but with complete focus on the music and the connection with the people in front of him. This is why his performances are often perceived not merely as concerts, but as shared spiritual experiences. That was also the feeling among his fans in Bulgaria, who filled to capacity Hall 1 of the NDK Convention Centre.

Speaking to BTA, audience members shared that this was the strongest experience they had had so far - even after the fifth or sixth time hearing him live. Among the crowd were people who have followed him beyond Bulgaria, listening to him in other European cities, in their cars, at home, on the road, everywhere. And it was precisely they who said that this concert was “incredible—from beginning to end.” For others, it was their first live encounter with the voice they knew from recordings - an encounter that left the feeling of a revelation.

A voice not just heard but felt

What all impressions had in common was one thing: the voice. “Divine,” “velvety,” “full and tender”—a voice that “flows like a river” and at the same time reaches both heights and depths with equal ease. A voice that is not merely heard, but felt - as warmth, as soulfulness, as something that lingers long after the final applause.

Porter's band also drew enthusiastic reactions: exceptional musicians, each with their own presence and energy. The double bassist, the pianist, the drummer - all were mentioned by name by audience members, including the moment when the tip of the drummer’s stick broke and he continued playing without breaking the rhythm. For many, this was a sign of class, professionalism, and dedication.

Depth and joy

The music - jazz, but not only - unfolded freely between styles: funk, gospel, R&B, with a sound that skillfully blends the old and the new, one attendee noted. Musicians in the audience pointed out the preserved feel of the 1970s and 1980s, presented in a way that is accessible and close to a wide audience today - depth, but also joy; intelligence, but also spontaneity.

There were people in the hall who had traveled hundreds of kilometers for this concert. Families, three generations together, grandparents and grandchildren who love jazz and recognize it as “a most spiritual style of music.” There were also many young people singing along with the performer - something almost unimaginable to older audience members in the past, but which on that evening brought joy and a sense of a living, shared spirit.

Some had received their ticket as a birthday gift - from a spouse, from a sister - and that gesture made the experience even more personal. For others, it was their first time seeing Gregory Porter live, but almost everyone was categorical: “I would come again,” “Next time we’ll be there,” “Anyone who hasn’t seen him should regret it.”

Music that elevates

The audience were truly emersed in the music. They sang, reacted, approved, and were part of the concert. And this mutual recognition between artist and audience was clearly felt: “What a joy to know that Gregory Porter likes Bulgaria, that he feels good here, and that the energy from the stage bounces back to the hall.”

“A concert for the soul, for the heart, for everything,” somebody summed it up. Others said they were still under the influence of the emotion. But everyone agreed that this was not just another date on his European tour, but an evening in which music truly elevates.

Gregory Porter came to Bulgaria at the invitation of BG Sound Stage.

/NF/