Music Review: Kurt Elling - Nightmoves - Page 2

In one more little touch of irony (a concept I've worn out by now but hope you'll tolerate) Bob Minzter of the aforementioned Minzter Big Band is one of the best things about the title tune of this album, as his lush tenor sax frames Elling's rich baritone. It's a process that also works well on "Undun", a song that's one of the best on the album. There are a number of guest artists in addition to Minzter, and the Escher String Quartet also shows up on a couple of tunes. Also joining Elling on most of the songs is his regular trio, which consists of pianist-arranger Laurence Hobgood, bassist Rob Amster and drummer Willie Jones III.

I admit to a fondness for old standards, and enjoyed Elling's version of "Body And Soul", a song that's almost obligatory on any collection of jazz ballads. Also to be savored is the medley "Leaving Again/In The Wee Small Hours", especially the latter part, where Elling's soulful, poignant sound trumps Sinatra's version, something I wouldn't have thought possible.

A good collection that touches on the many different sides and shadings of a talented jazz singer in the prime of his performing life.

1. Nightmoves
2. Tight
3. Change Partners/If You Never Come To Me
4. Undun
5. Where Are You?
6. And We Will Fly
7. The Waking
8. The Sleepers
9. Leaving Again/In The Wee Small Hours
10. Body And Soul
11. I Like The Sunrise

Article Author: Big Geez

Big Geez is a retiree who takes time off from trimming his ear hair to write about music -- occasionally writing reviews, but most often using his regular music feature, Retro Redux, to share his opinions about how something resonates with his memories and those of his generation. …

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