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Kurt Sings Leonard Bernstein at “Jazz in July”

Somewhere: The Songs of Leonard BernsteinTuesday, July 22, 2008, 8 pm
92nd St. Y, New York, NY

Jazz in July opens this year with a program dedicated to the songs of Leonard Bernstein. Bernstein would have turned 90 this year, and this show is one of a number of tributes in New York honoring this charismatic musical force who personified the intersection of American popular song, classical music and jazz. Bernstein first achieved eminence as a classical composer and conductor, though he began writing popular songs while still in college. His repertoire of unforgettable songs – including classics from On the Town and West Side Story – are infused with a jazz sensibility and a quintessentially urban quality.

Bill Charlap, who explored Bernstein’s songs on his Grammy-nominated 2004 recording Somewhere, gathers an ensemble of leading jazz musicians to dig into this remarkable catalog, with guest vocalist Kurt Elling giving voice to the songs. Elling is an eight-time winner of Downbeat’s Critic’s Poll for Best Male Vocalist and a charismatic performer known for his four-octave range, virtuoso vocalese (setting lyrics to instrumental solos), and powerful stage persona. The band features Bill Charlap (piano), Ted Rosenthal (piano), Brian Lynch (trumpet), Jimmy Greene (tenor saxophone), Jon Gordon (alto saxophone), Peter Washington (bass) and Kenny Washington (drums).