Listen Up: The Gate

Elling’s follow-up to 2009’s Grammy jazz vocal album winner, Dedicated to You, is further proof that he is the best singer of his generation. With his resonant baritone and cool phrasings, Elling makes this eclectic batch of jazz standards and pop tunes his own. Producer Don Was and a stellar band led by longtime collaborator Laurence Hobgood help make The Gate inviting.
Four stars (out of four)

Download recommendations: Steppin’ Out, Come Running to Me, Golden Lady