Dec 31, 2017
Kurt Elling in 2017: Another very good year!
In 2017 Kurt Elling performed 102 shows in 69 cities in 18 countries on 4 continents! He flew 145,000 miles, including four trips to Europe and one each to South Africa and China, and there were ground trips by train and other transport,...
Dec 30, 2017
Today’s Jazz Singers on Ella Fitzgerald
Apologies to James Brown, but Ella Fitzgerald, who would have turned 100 on April 25, was the hardest working singer in show business Fiercely career focused from her teens through her 70s, she maintained an exhausting tour schedule and amassed...
Dec 18, 2017
Jazz review: Spirit of Light – Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, Glasgow Cathedral
The deliciously dark double act of Tommy Smith and Kurt Elling creates a grand spectacle The origins of Tommy Smith's first composition for the SNJO in seven years were debated in a good-natured double act between the saxophonist and the...
Dec 18, 2017
Review: Tommy Smith – Spirit of Light, St Mary’s Cathedral Edinburgh
"Spirit of Light," a major new composition by Tommy Smith, got its Edinburgh performance tonight in the impressive space of St Mary's Cathedral Performing this innovative work along with Tommy Smith were members of the Scottish National...
Dec 18, 2017
Kurt Elling and Tommy Smith make midwinter magic with the SNJO
There's a case for Christmas concerts staged in venerable Scottish architectural marvels being held in summertime The room temperature for Scottish National Jazz Orchestra director/saxophonist Tommy Smith's settings of poems...
Dec 15, 2017
It’s Never Too Late: Kurt Elling, MDiv ’17
You've probably heard the story In 1992, just one credit short of his degree, Kurt Elling dropped out of Divinity School at the University of Chicago to pursue his vocation in jazz After graduating in 1989 from Gustavus Adolphus, a private...
Dec 12, 2017
Spirit of Light: Tommy Smith leads the SNJO on another adventure in musical collaboration
The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra has pulled off some novel projects that have ventured well beyond the bounds of mainstream jazz, from performances with the Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers to a Mozart piano concerto This weekend, however, the...
Dec 11, 2017
Diplomatic Don: Kurt Elling Crosses Borders In St. Petersburg
Being an American jazz singer in St Petersburg is a full-time job, with diplomatic requirements Kurt Elling has barely touched down before President Putin asks to meet A four-hour wait later, Chicago hip royalty is introduced to Russia's...
Dec 01, 2017
Kurt Elling’s Festive Performance at City Winery
Kurt Elling is a Big Name in jazz He's the consummate performer, the professional, and the occasional cheese-ball (but don't tell him I said so) Originally hailing from Chicago, he's known for his smooth vocals, high levels of...
Nov 27, 2017
Kurt Elling Channels Divinity, Philosophy, and Poetry into Jazz
Deeply creative people are often compelled to create works of art that express and explore the mysteries of existence, often through the lens of a sacred or devotional belief system Jazz saxophone legend John Coltrane did it on his recording, A...
Nov 14, 2017
Musication interviews Jazz Vocalist Kurt Elling
This week in our Artist Interview series, we have the pleasure of talking to Kurt Elling Kurt is a Jazz vocalist, composer, lyricist and vocalese performer He has been nominated for ten Grammy Awards, winning Best Vocal Jazz Album for Dedicated...
Nov 02, 2017
Kurt Elling’s 50th Birthday
On Kurt's 50th birthday, he posted an open letter to his fans on his Facebook page Fans responded with wonderful stories, photographs, and well-wishes Dear Friends, It is with deep gratitude that I accept and embrace your many warm wishes...