Kurt Elling – Man in the Air (Blue Note)

It is no secret that Kurt Elling is the most outstanding male vocalist in jazz. Since his performance at the 1996 International Association of Jazz Educators meeting in Chicago, which led to his Hollywood Jazz Festival appearance the same year, Kurt steadily has gained the respect of every segment of the jazz community and now is listed as the number one male jazz vocalist in all major polls.

For Man in the Air, Elling's sixth Blue Note CD, the singer has composed the vocal parts for ten of the twelve tracks, putting words to the melodies of Coltrane (“A Love Supreme” no less!), Pat Metheny, Joe Zawinul, Bob Mintzer and Herbie Hancock.  To say that he is a compelling lyricist dealing with daunting material is to undervalue his multifaceted talent. He has mastered the jazz vernacular using his baritone voice more like a horn than any other singer. Added to that is his astonishing vocalese concept that sparsely employs the dreaded scatting of some jazz vocalists. Rather, he composes poetry, wails, and raps that are important to understand not just hear.

In contrast to his other recordings with his trio featuring the immensely talented Lawrence Hobgood as pianist/arranger, this CD has a smattering of saxophone and on a few cuts, vibist Stefon Harris adds his bright, swinging touch to excellent arrangements. Kurt’s original drummer, Paul Wertico, makes an appearance as well. Is this truly a record for everyone? Yes.