My View: The Audience Couldn’t Sing Along With Kurt Elling At Cafe Carlyle Last Night

Kurt Elling's opening number in his Sinatra show was “Come Fly With Me” but no music civilian can fly with Kurt, he sang it in 6/8 time. In non musical terminology that simply means you might be a little upended trying to snap your fingers and tap your foot to the Sinatra classic performed in this unusual tempo. However, you're sure going to marvel at Kurt's interpretation. And that's the way it was most of the night as this Grammy Award Winner (Best Vocal Jazz Album) and 14 consecutive year winner of the DownBeat Critics Poll sang Sinatra his (Kurt's) way. I've heard so many Sinatra sound a-likes and impersonators this year and it was exciting to hear a world renowned jazz vocalist with total command of the vocal, harmonic and rhythmic spectrum reinterpret Sinatra classics. I don't know what Frank's reaction to this show would have been but one thing for sure, he would have a touch of envy hearing his tunes performed by a Jazz virtuoso of Kurt Elling's stature.
Of course Kurt Elling has a band that matches his artistry. Clark Sommers on bass, John McLean on guitar, Jared Schonig on drums, Wayne Tucker on trumpet, Troy Roberts on tenor sax and Gary Versace on piano.

“Elling Swings Sinatra” Cafe Carlyle October 13-17

You can see more photos of Kurt Elling at Cafe Carlyle here.