Jazz-soul legend Gregory Porter collaborated on a Christmas single in his tea break as a favour to an old friend who took a chance and a train to London, knowing she had minutes to persuade him to sing on the track.
It was when Porter’s appearance on ITV’s This Morning, to promote new album ‘Christmas Wish’, was advertised on television one morning in November that a friend from college, Philly Fraser, surprised the star with a phonecall that urged him to jump in a cab to a nearby school and hear her song performed by a choir for the first time, conducted by Philly herself.
Philly Fraser, who met Gregory at the University of San Diego, California, 22 years ago, wrote the poignant ballad ‘Make Believe’ one rainy day in Devon. The idea to write and release a track was driven by the fact that her eight-year-old son, Archie, has lost the ability to speak. He was diagnosed with severe regressive autism at the age of four and, after learning to live with this for the past four years, Philly was suddenly compelled to do anything she could to get it recorded and, in doing so give Archie a voice. Archie’s mother got in touch with another old friend, who now works at the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School in west London. He immediately put her in touch with the school’s Director of Music, Scott Price, who was delighted to offer his services, and assembled the Schola Cantorum choir the very next day.
It came to the day of the recording and, to the amazement of the teachers and choir, Gregory Porter joined their rehearsal and recording session, then jumped back in his cab to the TV studio just in time for his This Morning ‘call time’ 20 minutes later. He didn’t even explain where he had just been.
It was a touching moment. As Gregory had been a mentor to Philly during her songwriting jazz course (run by his first record producer Kamal Kenyata) he was delighted to hear her very personal composition years later. The following week, Gregory took the first chance he had to record his vocals in a studio in New York (which was about to close for the night but understandably changed their minds when the double-GRAMMY winning musician walked in).
Gregory says, “I’m so happy to be a part of this soulful project that connects all the things that I love. Helping and encouraging children, and bringing joy to the listener.”
The single ‘Make Believe’, now in its final form – complete with brass section, strings, harp, Christmas chimes and Porter’s powerful and soaring vocals, along with Philly (soprano) and the boys’ choir – is to be released to coincide with Gregory’s highly anticipated festive concert at the Royal Albert Hall (his fourth appearance at the prestigious venue this year) on Wednesday 13th December. The song will be also be premiered on stage with Philly and the Schola Cantorum choir.
Philly Fraser explains, “’Make Believe’ is my way of giving my son Archie – and every child around the world, whatever their struggle is – a voice. It is a reminder to the children, that they are not alone, and that together we can make a better, more inclusive world. No child should be left behind.”
Helen Pattinson, Director of Fundraising for War Child says, “We are delighted that Gregory Porter and Philly Fraser have chosen to support War Child. There are more than 468 million children in the world who are affected by conflict. Children have paid with their homes, and their lives, for wars they didn’t start. The money raised for War Child from Make Believe will help us to deliver more vital mental health first aid and psychological support to children who have witnessed the horrors and devastation of conflict. Through music, play, and education, more children will be able to express and process their trauma. Thank you.”