Kurt Elling - Man In The Air

jazzfiend · July-25th-2003, 04:22 PM

Elling has put together his finest session to date, certainly since The Messenger. He has chosen a wonderful selection of tunes, and added his own quite interesting lyrics. Minuano, by Metheny/Mays, Resolution (Coltrane) will knock your socks off, the killer title cut by pianist Hobgood, A Secret I by Hancock, Higher Vibe by Courtney Pine, Hidden Jewel by Bobby Watson, All Is Quiet by Mintzer, and 3 others.

Kurt's pipes are in fine shape, with added maturity setting in. He displays great control, along with excellent intonation, range and phrasing. I'm also happy to report that most of the faux hipness is gone, in favor of real passion & confidence. His current sound is really a joy to behold.

The supporting cast is also wonderful. Elling's fine trio consists of Laurence Hobgood (piano), Rob Amster(bass), and Frank Parker, Jr. on drums. Special guests include Stefon Harris on vibes(who is awesome here), and Jim Gailloreto on soprano sax.

The session gets even better with each listening. Looks like a strong contender for the Grammy this year. Nice to see such strength coming from the rather weak male vocalist arena.

Also included(I forgot to mention)is a gorgeous treatment of Zawinul's "Time To Say Goodbye."

strich · July-25th-2003, 05:31 PM

Heard him do "Resolution" live last winter in Chicago, and it does indeed kick butt. I'm really looking forward to hearing this one.

BFrank · July-26th-2003, 03:03 AM

You can hear the whole thing on the BN web site. They are streaming it for free for a short period of time.

I think jazzfiend and myself heard different albums. The one I heard seemed inconsistent and uninspired. In fact, most of the ballads were down-right hard to listen to.

I liked "Resolution" and a few others, but overall, there seemed to be a noticable lack of energy here - UN-like "The Messenger".

I don't think this one is going on my 'to buy' list.

jazzfiend · July-26th-2003, 12:35 PM

Well, we do agree about one thing. You listened to a different album. This one's a killer, and the ballads are awesome. Lack of energy??? Try again, my son.

BFrank · July-27th-2003, 12:12 AM

Oh, well ...

Pete C · July-27th-2003, 10:02 AM

How's his intonation?

HLJ · July-27th-2003, 06:41 PM

I heard "Time To Say Good-Bye" on the radio this week copping this disc on Payday.Peace and all that.

jazzfiend · July-27th-2003, 10:48 PM

Pete, you silly boy, that issue was covered in post 1. If you're asking about mine, it sounded ok in the shower this morning.

HLAW · July-31st-2003, 03:57 PM

Got this today and its sweet."Resolution" is deep.I also dig "In the Winelight".I remember Grover Washington Jr.doing a version of this. And the cut "Never My Love" what rock group did that? Was it Bread?Stefon Harris and Laurence Hobgood play wonderfully on this disc.Peace and all that.