Live in Chicago [Live]

Kurt Elling | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 11, 2000)
• Original Release Date: January 11, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B00003W87S
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,278 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #57 in Music > Indie Music > Jazz > Vocal Jazz

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Jazz singer Kurt Elling joins rapper Bushwick Bill of the Geto Boys as one of the few current artists whose musical roots lie in divinity school. In that case, one could say Elling is continuing to "spread the gospel," only now his proselytizing has taken on a more secular bend. That's not to say that certain tracks on this disc like "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" don't still sound like the emanations of a man possessed by the spirit. It's just that now Elling isn't focusing on saving souls, he's trying to sing soulfully. Being in front of his hometown crowd helps, considering that the three-time Grammy nominee is already something of a local hero in Chicago, and it's obvious that the warm and adoring crowd brings out the ham in this slickster, who's emerged as the preeminent jazz singer in the post-young-lions era. Fitting in with that hegemony, Elling is more in the "velvet smog" tradition of a Mel Torme or Earl Grant than a hipster like Mose Allison. In fact when he attempts this type of bop prosody on "The Rent Party," it sounds pretentious and forced, despite the fact that the second half of this cut provides the best example of actual jazz on the LP: with a swinging rhythm provided by pianist Laurence Hobgood, bassist Rob Amster, and drummer Michael Raynor and honking solos by tenor players Von Freeman and Ed Petersen, these guys really cook. Hobgood, who is Elling's primary collaborator, provides ample support also on a version of Wayne Shorter's "Night Dream." Meanwhile, vocalese pioneer Jon Hendricks joins Elling for renditions of "Don't Get Scared" and "Goin' to Chicago." Unfortunately, Elling is least convincing when he scats. Then again, perhaps we should heed Elling's advice in the between-song banter: "Have another drink, because the more you drink the better we sound." --Joe S. Harrington

From Jazziz

Kurt Elling's unique vocal style - a combination of crooning, vocalese, and scatting, all informed with a Beat attitude - has pricked its share of ears since he began recording as a leader in 1995. But even Elling would admit that his wild, off-the-cuff improvisations come across strongest in a live setting. "When you plan a live set," he says, "you're dealing with what kind of intensity you want people to experience. It has to hit them with velocity, but we're also trying to build something. I want to create events, but I also want to open their hearts and brains." Blue Note Records is hoping that intensity was captured on Live in Chicago, Elling's new album that was recorded at his hometown's legendary Green Mill. The record finds Elling teaming up with jazz giants, including Von Freeman and Eddie Johnson. "Goin' to Chicago" is a duet between Elling and one of his influences, Jon Hendricks.

--- JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Stuff, March 10, 2000

By 

Edmund Mcguigan "Ed McGuigan" (Boynton Beach, FL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Live in Chicago (Audio CD)

Please ignore the official review from Harrington above. Amazon should find another reviewer because this guy is clearly not disposed to enjoy Kurt Elling and doesn't fairly represent the record.

Onto things positive; this is a great record. I bought it after three songs from Kurt had captured my attention in as many days while driving home from work ( i.e. I sat there in the car with the engine off till the song finished ).

Elling has a unique and exquisitely rich voice. There are some beautiful songs on the record. Listening to it actually made me very emotional ( yes alright I actually welled up but they were those nice joyful tears that are to be encouraged ).

Words can't describe music so I won't bother. If you like Sinatra-like richness of tone with more jazz, verve, adventure and honesty then you'll like this. The pianist keeps it pretty much swinging and melodic which I appreciate. Kurt does sound a bit hammy at times but we are eavesdropping on a stage show so we mustn't be too harsh.

I hope he continues to make live records. Artists of his caliber need to be heard live. I hope he continues to experiment, take risks and grow. I look forward to a lifetime of tearful enjoyment from him.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pay No Attention to Mr. Harrington, January 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Live in Chicago (Audio CD)

Mr. Harrington's review above couldn't be more wrong--condescending drivel. Having lived in Chicago, I've been to the Mill and this CD captures the place as well as Elling. Certainly, the disc is dominated by Kurt's vocals but the performance of the band--especially Hobgood, in my humble opinion--is exceptional. It's a work that touches the ear, the brain, the soul, the funny bone. What more can you ask? I bought it yesterday and I'm on my fourth listen. The 12+ minute version of "My Foolish Heart" alone is worth the price of admission.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I was there, it was magic, January 11, 2000

By 

Matthew I. Halpern (Portland, ME United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Live in Chicago (Audio CD)

I live in Chicago and was at the Green Mill when Kurt recorded this disc. It was magical. You knew you were a part of something special, something historical. His choice of songs and delivery is amazing, you will NOT be disappointed if you buy this.