New! Kurt Elling DVD: “Live in Montreal”

Kurt Elling’s first DVD, “Live in Montreal,” has just been released in Europe! Recorded at the 2007 Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, this special DVD features selections from Kurt’s latest album, “Nightmoves.”

He’s joined by Laurence Hobgood (piano), Rob Amster (bass), Willie Jones III (drums), Guilherme Monteiro (guitar), Howard Levy (harmonica), and Bob Sheppard (saxophone). Special guests: Randy Bachman (guitar) and Richard Bona (bass).

Kurt in the live setting is something to behold, as he’s an artist at the very height of his powers, a true virtuoso in complete command of that most marvelous instrument, his voice. Sometimes said to have “a voice like Stradivarius,” Elling’s total vocal command and virtuosity are rarely matched by vocalists in any field.

Whether it’s his breath control, his ability to circular breathe (sustaining note for impossibly long periods), his range, timing and phrasing, and his deft humor, Elling is pretty much in a league of his own. A true vocal tour de force, this is Elling at his best, performing live and in the moment and sharing his remarkable gift with all of us.

Tracklist:

My Foolish Heart
Nightmoves
Tight
Luiza
Change Partners/If You Never Come To Me
And We Will Fly
Undun
The Waking
A New Body And Soul
Nature Boy
Leaving Again/In The Wee Small Hours

Extras: Documentary (47 min.) with Kurt Elling, Bob Sheppard, Mary Ann Topper, Rob Amster, Laurence Hobgood, Randy Bachman, Richard Bona, Mark Murphy, Guilherme Monteiro, and Howard Levy

UPDATE 02/14/09: This DVD is on the Emarcy label, part of the Universal Music Group family. Released only in Europe, it’s actually in NTSC format for all regions so it can be played in the US and elsewhere. Now available in fine web stores everywhere (or at least throughout Europe) — Google “Kurt Elling” “Live in Montreal” to find your copy.