Kurt Elling

Typically I don't provide reviews on concert, I just enjoy them. However, I got more than I paid for after attend to this concert . Kurt Elling’s performance with the Strathmore Jazz Orchestra was the kind of concert that reminds you you are in the presence of a true living legend. From the moment he stepped on stage, Elling carried himself with the confidence and command of an artist who has not only mastered jazz vocals, but has helped define what modern jazz singing can be. His voice remains extraordinary. Rich, powerful, controlled, and emotionally precise. He moved effortlessly between deep baritone warmth and soaring phrasing, shaping every line with intention. What stood out most was not just his technical skill, but his musical intelligence. Elling does not simply sing a song. He interprets it, inhabits it, and delivers it like a storyteller who knows exactly how to pull the audience in. The Strathmore Jazz Orchestra provided the perfect foundation. Their sound was crisp, full, and polished, and Elling knew exactly how to ride the wave of the ensemble. There was a clear chemistry between him and the orchestra. The phrasing, timing, and dynamics felt like a true collaboration rather than a soloist performing over a backing band. Elling’s stage presence was equally impressive. He was engaging without being theatrical, confident without being arrogant, and he carried the room with the ease of someone who has spent decades earning respect in every major jazz venue in the world. Personally, the concert felt like a full-circle moment. I originally got hooked on Kurt Elling after watching his performance with the WDR Big Band on YouTube. Even through a screen, his talent was undeniable. But seeing him live confirmed what I suspected then. Kurt Elling is not just one of the best jazz singers performing today. He is one of the greatest jazz vocalists of any era. And getting a record (not vinyl!) of his recording with the WDR Big Band - nice! Viking White

It was beyond awesome!! Thank you for this unforgettable concert, it still puts a smile on my face! ☺️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Incredible voice and sound! One of the best concert I’ve ever attended over the recent 70 years as a fan of cool jazz. Have followed KE for over 30 years and consider him the best voice ever with Johnny Hartman second, even beating out jazz groups like LHR or a sound like Coltranes Elling’s voice never gets tiresome. Listen all day/night.. Weither Roport was h just amazing.; still in top form as they have been over the last 47 years.Glad I’m still here. I wish only that Mr Elling had gone into one or two of his standards. Bobby Kayyem

Fantastic show. Kurt was hot as ever. We brought a friend who had never heard him live. The look in her face when he sang the first few notes was precious. Joey was on fire as well. We sat right behind him and got to see he was literally bouncing as he played.

a great night ! the Jass Bistro gives a warm intimate feel as did everyone woking there. Super Blue , Super Groove ! I wish i had tickets for another show!

Kurt Elling deserves his extraordinary reputation! Confident, inspiring, joyous, and empathetic, he and SuperBlue had the crowd hooked and rocking in the first two minutes. And the entire group of musicians were obviously having as much fun as their so vocal fans. Nothing could dampen the spirit of the clapping and whooping crowd, not even a several minute downpour. Out came a sea of umbrellas, and the swinging audience just stayed with their Pied piper. Thank you, Kurt Elling - you and your so-spirited colleagues!! And thanks to the wise young ma who, after years of dreaming booked you into the NC Museum of Art amphitheater.

Kurt gave what was quite possibly the most mesmerizing live performance I’ve ever had the privilege of hearing. His repertoire was *chef’s kiss*, his rapport with the audience was so laid-back and intimate, his command of his vocal registers, his at times blink-and-you-miss-it communication with the other musicians, and for that matter - the caliber of musicians he surrounds himself with…it was nothing short of magical. It transported me and reminded me how beautifully vast the world of music is. One of the loveliest evenings I’ve ever had.

Amazing concert! Kurt was in a great mood and the band is so funky! Great guitar player and a lot of smiles from Charlie Hunter 😀

Fabulous musicians, all having a great time playing together and taking us on that ride with them. I knew that I would enjoy this but at some point they just kicked it up a gear and it became mind blowing. Kurt Elling’s s**t is next level and Charlie Hunter was amazing, doing the guitar and bass duties on the one instrument. So entertaining. Can’t wait to see these guys again.

Loved it. The videography was great. I loved the multiple camera angles and production. I was able to connect to my tv via Chromecast and the sound quality through my speaker system made me feel like I was really there. Enjoyed the evening with my wife, some egg nog, and great music.

The outstanding maestro Elling with extraordinary palette of backing musicians performed a beautiful heartwarming and eclectic show in front of a small audience in an intimate setting at USF Verftet. After the show, mr. Kurt was kindly willing to tako pictures with us and have a word or two at the bar. Amazing concert and an unforgettable evening.

Great concert and the theme was just FABULOUS. Mr Elling is THE MAN

Excellent! Great talent by the entire group! Blue Llama is a fantastic space with perfect acoustics. Highly recommended!!!

Hubby and I were here last night for date night to see the incomparable Kurt Elling and wow what a night. We'd already had dinner and shame on us. We had a delicious morsel with cantelop, crema, toasted pumpkin seeds and just a hit of cayenne complements of the chef and it was absolutely delicious. The service was impeccable and the sound ensures you that there's no bad seat in the house. Then there's the divine voice of none other than Kurt Elling. This is the 3rd time we've seen him live and he never disappoints, nor does a song sound the same was twice. The Quintet was phenomenal and we couldn't have asked for a better set. Based on our experience last night, I foresee The Blue Llama quickly becoming one of our favorite places to wine, dine and be serenaded to our hearts content. Fantastic!

Jazz great vocalist Kurt Ellington was a featured guest artist of the Smithsonian Masterworks Jazz Orchestra. The Smithsonian Masterworks Jazz Orchestra played tunes spanning the globe: Compositions by Duke Ellington, Toshiko Akiyoshi. Kurt Ellington joined the orchestra for the last half of the 90 minute show. I have listened to Mr Elling's albums for several years (Passion World, NightMoves, The Gate, Dedicated To You,). Nothing prepared me for his dynamic, totally mesmerizing live performance. From the great opener Steppin Out (Joe Jackson), which grooved. To beautiful rendition of Duke Ellington's, I Like the Sunrise. For this Elling fan, the centerpiece was a profoundly moving version of the Count Basie classic, Lil' Darlin. He ended his set with a soul moving version of Nat King Cole's Nature Boy. All the featured guests of the Smithsonian Masterworks Jazz Orchestra joined Mr Elling for as final rousing rendition of Duke Ellington's, It Don't Mean A Thing, If It Ain't Got that Swing. Mr Elling's vocal range, effortless ability to modulate his voice from quiet to full force, is extraordinary. His personality reflects a kind of hipster cool. Great stage presence, rhythmic moving to the music. My all time favorite artist performance.

What an awesome performance! He even found a way to weave the tech problems with the mic into the event and kept it entertaining. This is my second time seeing him this year. I'm a fan for life now. I'll be on the lookout for appearances in other cities...

It’s always an absolute pleasure to watch Mr. Elling. Great band and arrangements. He’s a Genius

One of the purest voices of our time! Kurt Elling has a deeply rich and satisfying tone, and is a technical, music master! A sheer pleasure never to be missed!

Typically I don't provide reviews on concert, I just enjoy them. However, I got more than I paid for after attend to this concert . Kurt Elling’s performance with the Strathmore Jazz Orchestra was the kind of concert that reminds you you are in the presence of a true living legend. From the moment he stepped on stage, Elling carried himself with the confidence and command of an artist who has not only mastered jazz vocals, but has helped define what modern jazz singing can be. His voice remains extraordinary. Rich, powerful, controlled, and emotionally precise. He moved effortlessly between deep baritone warmth and soaring phrasing, shaping every line with intention. What stood out most was not just his technical skill, but his musical intelligence. Elling does not simply sing a song. He interprets it, inhabits it, and delivers it like a storyteller who knows exactly how to pull the audience in. The Strathmore Jazz Orchestra provided the perfect foundation. Their sound was crisp, full, and polished, and Elling knew exactly how to ride the wave of the ensemble. There was a clear chemistry between him and the orchestra. The phrasing, timing, and dynamics felt like a true collaboration rather than a soloist performing over a backing band. Elling’s stage presence was equally impressive. He was engaging without being theatrical, confident without being arrogant, and he carried the room with the ease of someone who has spent decades earning respect in every major jazz venue in the world. Personally, the concert felt like a full-circle moment. I originally got hooked on Kurt Elling after watching his performance with the WDR Big Band on YouTube. Even through a screen, his talent was undeniable. But seeing him live confirmed what I suspected then. Kurt Elling is not just one of the best jazz singers performing today. He is one of the greatest jazz vocalists of any era. And getting a record (not vinyl!) of his recording with the WDR Big Band - nice! Viking White

It was beyond awesome!! Thank you for this unforgettable concert, it still puts a smile on my face! ☺️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Incredible voice and sound! One of the best concert I’ve ever attended over the recent 70 years as a fan of cool jazz. Have followed KE for over 30 years and consider him the best voice ever with Johnny Hartman second, even beating out jazz groups like LHR or a sound like Coltranes Elling’s voice never gets tiresome. Listen all day/night.. Weither Roport was h just amazing.; still in top form as they have been over the last 47 years.Glad I’m still here. I wish only that Mr Elling had gone into one or two of his standards. Bobby Kayyem

Fantastic show. Kurt was hot as ever. We brought a friend who had never heard him live. The look in her face when he sang the first few notes was precious. Joey was on fire as well. We sat right behind him and got to see he was literally bouncing as he played.

a great night ! the Jass Bistro gives a warm intimate feel as did everyone woking there. Super Blue , Super Groove ! I wish i had tickets for another show!

Kurt Elling deserves his extraordinary reputation! Confident, inspiring, joyous, and empathetic, he and SuperBlue had the crowd hooked and rocking in the first two minutes. And the entire group of musicians were obviously having as much fun as their so vocal fans. Nothing could dampen the spirit of the clapping and whooping crowd, not even a several minute downpour. Out came a sea of umbrellas, and the swinging audience just stayed with their Pied piper. Thank you, Kurt Elling - you and your so-spirited colleagues!! And thanks to the wise young ma who, after years of dreaming booked you into the NC Museum of Art amphitheater.

Kurt gave what was quite possibly the most mesmerizing live performance I’ve ever had the privilege of hearing. His repertoire was *chef’s kiss*, his rapport with the audience was so laid-back and intimate, his command of his vocal registers, his at times blink-and-you-miss-it communication with the other musicians, and for that matter - the caliber of musicians he surrounds himself with…it was nothing short of magical. It transported me and reminded me how beautifully vast the world of music is. One of the loveliest evenings I’ve ever had.

Amazing concert! Kurt was in a great mood and the band is so funky! Great guitar player and a lot of smiles from Charlie Hunter 😀

Fabulous musicians, all having a great time playing together and taking us on that ride with them. I knew that I would enjoy this but at some point they just kicked it up a gear and it became mind blowing. Kurt Elling’s s**t is next level and Charlie Hunter was amazing, doing the guitar and bass duties on the one instrument. So entertaining. Can’t wait to see these guys again.

Loved it. The videography was great. I loved the multiple camera angles and production. I was able to connect to my tv via Chromecast and the sound quality through my speaker system made me feel like I was really there. Enjoyed the evening with my wife, some egg nog, and great music.

The outstanding maestro Elling with extraordinary palette of backing musicians performed a beautiful heartwarming and eclectic show in front of a small audience in an intimate setting at USF Verftet. After the show, mr. Kurt was kindly willing to tako pictures with us and have a word or two at the bar. Amazing concert and an unforgettable evening.

Great concert and the theme was just FABULOUS. Mr Elling is THE MAN

Excellent! Great talent by the entire group! Blue Llama is a fantastic space with perfect acoustics. Highly recommended!!!

Hubby and I were here last night for date night to see the incomparable Kurt Elling and wow what a night. We'd already had dinner and shame on us. We had a delicious morsel with cantelop, crema, toasted pumpkin seeds and just a hit of cayenne complements of the chef and it was absolutely delicious. The service was impeccable and the sound ensures you that there's no bad seat in the house. Then there's the divine voice of none other than Kurt Elling. This is the 3rd time we've seen him live and he never disappoints, nor does a song sound the same was twice. The Quintet was phenomenal and we couldn't have asked for a better set. Based on our experience last night, I foresee The Blue Llama quickly becoming one of our favorite places to wine, dine and be serenaded to our hearts content. Fantastic!

Jazz great vocalist Kurt Ellington was a featured guest artist of the Smithsonian Masterworks Jazz Orchestra. The Smithsonian Masterworks Jazz Orchestra played tunes spanning the globe: Compositions by Duke Ellington, Toshiko Akiyoshi. Kurt Ellington joined the orchestra for the last half of the 90 minute show. I have listened to Mr Elling's albums for several years (Passion World, NightMoves, The Gate, Dedicated To You,). Nothing prepared me for his dynamic, totally mesmerizing live performance. From the great opener Steppin Out (Joe Jackson), which grooved. To beautiful rendition of Duke Ellington's, I Like the Sunrise. For this Elling fan, the centerpiece was a profoundly moving version of the Count Basie classic, Lil' Darlin. He ended his set with a soul moving version of Nat King Cole's Nature Boy. All the featured guests of the Smithsonian Masterworks Jazz Orchestra joined Mr Elling for as final rousing rendition of Duke Ellington's, It Don't Mean A Thing, If It Ain't Got that Swing. Mr Elling's vocal range, effortless ability to modulate his voice from quiet to full force, is extraordinary. His personality reflects a kind of hipster cool. Great stage presence, rhythmic moving to the music. My all time favorite artist performance.

What an awesome performance! He even found a way to weave the tech problems with the mic into the event and kept it entertaining. This is my second time seeing him this year. I'm a fan for life now. I'll be on the lookout for appearances in other cities...

It’s always an absolute pleasure to watch Mr. Elling. Great band and arrangements. He’s a Genius

One of the purest voices of our time! Kurt Elling has a deeply rich and satisfying tone, and is a technical, music master! A sheer pleasure never to be missed!