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In Reply to: Re: Male jazz vocalists: recommendations please... posted by Mike M. on May 31, 2002 at 11:16:47:
nt
Depends on how "out there" you want your Elling experience to be. His first couple were more adventurous, and he's settled into a conservative (for Elling) mode on his last couple. When I say "out there", I mean the sort of vocal gymnastics that listeners either love or hate. On his first two CDs in particular, there would be a progression of vocal improvisation - he'd usually sing a verse or two straight, then scat his way through, often followed by a segment of "ranting", i.e. uninteligible vocal noises. I could understand those who had no taste for it, but for me it was yet another level, or another color of the improvisational pallette. Add to this mix Kurt's fairly unique style of vocalese, whereby he's composed words to some classic jazz compositions (solos included), add some spoken word stream-of-consciousness poetry, and a rich Sinatra-esque voice that caresses ballads, and you have a fair approximation of Elling's unique and diverse style. If you prefer more standard fare, stay towards the more recent end of his catalogue. His latest, "Flirting With Twilight" is somewhat boring and conventional to this Elling fan, but even it has it's moments. "This Time It's Love" may be a perfect balance between the "out-there" and the conventional, and is a beautiful album besides. For me, although "The Messenger" and "Close Your Eyes" have a very few uneven spots, the moments of brilliance more than offset them and make either of those CDs essential Elling. Another essential Elling experience is to hear him live. I've found each and every Elling concert to be a unique and delightful surprise, and a glimpse into his ever-evolving genius. That said, I wouldn't be averse to recommending his "Live In Chicago" CD either! To get to the point - it hardly matters, listen to each of them, listen to all of them! Oh, BTW, while listening, check out the chemistry between Elling and Laurence Hobgood - a wonderful pianist and arranger. Oh, and you ought to check out the reviews on Allmusic.com - they offer some interesting, and mostly accurate comments on each of the Elling CDs.Hope you enjoy them half as much as I do!
Mike
without a doubt. absolutely great scatting and overall great playing. a really intelligent set of music.
tanya jean is difinitive, every time i hear the dexter gordon version (he wrote it) i feel the need to hear kurts version, and the words just pop into my ears anyway.
......regards.....tr
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