Kurt Elling
Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA
02.20.16
I have spent many evenings at Seattle’s amazing and iconic “Jazz Alley,” and going to Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley means one is in for a night of stellar music. They book the best national and international acts from the world of jazz, and the crowds they draw come from all over the northwest. This place is truly a destination for any serious jazz lover from 500 miles in any direction, and Kurt Elling is always a welcomed treat.
On this night, I was particularly excited and hopeful to hear songs from Kurt’s newest release, Passion World, as well as see the latest configuration of his touring band. I had not heard them live since Kurt parted ways with his long time collaborator, Lawrence Hobgood, in 2013. Immediately, Kurt does not disappoint when he opens with “Where Love Is,” a haunting and luscious musical setting of a poem by James Joyce. From my seat in the upstairs balcony, especially now and during their fourth selection, “Loch Tay Boat Song,” it seems that smoke or fog is rising above the stage, and I am struck by the thick red curtain that serves as a back drop. Visually, I am definitely loving the club, and for a little while I am transported to another place…
Their next selection, “Where the Streets Have No Name,” also from the latest album, is a fun and more pop-oriented arrangement of the U2 classic done by Elling’s guitar player, John McLean. Gary Versace plays a Hammond B3 organ on this song, getting some audible oohs and aahs from the crowd, as well as lots of head nodding and grooving.
Kurt Elling is an incredibly versatile performer. He is part crooner, part poet, a little bit mad genius, and a true jazz visionary. Always well dressed and looking good, everything about him – from his stage presence, to his interactions with the other musicians, to his banter with the audience – is swingin’, classy, and jazzy. There were definitely some real moments of inspired improvisation and new material that I had not heard before. I really enjoyed his vocal improv on “Steppin’ Out” from his album The Gate. During their fifth number, Kurt trades and battles with drummer Kendrick Scott. Using vocal percussion, as well as some special effects like rubbing the mic on his sleeve and hitting it with a towel, all made for some fun, cool sounds. And Mr. Scott is a serious talent on the drums.
I am reminded that jazz, and in particular Kurt’s music, is often very romantic. This show would’ve been a great date for my wife and I on Valentine’s Day. The most sexy and suggestive chart of the night by far was the grooving “Freddie’s Yen for Jen,” in which he sings “I dig her kisses/while washing the dishes.” Lots of Oh Yeahs from the crowd for this performance.
Photographer and longtime friend Phillip Johnson and I are struck by the chemistry between Kurt and bassist Clark Sommers on “The Waking.” Phillip said it was his favorite of the night, and I think I understand why. The intimate and altogether different vibe that is created by just bass and vocals, as well as the wonderfully poetic lyrics and the music itself, probably created the most interesting and striking sounds for someone not already familiar with Kurt Elling.
The last tune of the first set is another pop inspiration and a shout out to Steve Perry: Journey’s “When the Lights Go Down.” The mixture of Hammond B3 organ and guitar again produces a grooving and pop-oriented feel that is new for me when it comes to Kurt Elling. All together, I think it’s a really great new direction for him and the band, and it reminds me of how versatile and talented this man is – a true genius of the modern jazz scene.
Review by Dan Taylor
Photos by Phillip Johnson
Kurt Elling
