Kurt Elling: My Foolish Heart
Musicians:
Kurt Elling (vocals), Laurence Hobgood (piano), Rob Amster (bass), Michael Raynor (drums).
Recorded: Live at the Green Mill Jazz Club, July 14-16, 1999
Rating: 95/100 (learn more)
I don’t believe for one moment that Elling has a "foolish heart” – he sings this ballad with such total authority and presence that it tends to undermine the meaning of the lyrics. Yet that is my only caveat on an otherwise remarkable 12-minute performance. I found myself listening to it again and again, marveling at the many interesting twists and turns in the arrangement, which moves through several phases – torch song, incantation, double-tempo climax – with remarkable aplomb. And every great jazz vocalist deserves a musical director with ears as big as Hobgood’s. Elling demands our attention as one of the most impressive vocalists of his generation, and this recording will show you why.
Reviewer: Ted Gioia
If you liked this track, also check out
Kurt Elling: A New Body and Soul
Kurt Elling: Minuano
Bill Evans: My Foolish Heart
Related Links
The State of Jazz Vocals Today by Ted Gioia
Jazz Vocals in the New Millennium: Selected Listening by Ted Gioia
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