Declared by The New York Times as “the standout male vocalist of our time”, Kurt Elling – a master of vocalese – is widely accepted as the natural heir to jazz pioneers Eddie Jefferson, King Pleasure and Jon Hendricks, modernizing the jazz vocal tradition and breathing new life into old favorites for today’s audiences.
“We are thrilled that President Obama and Michelle Obama are hosting the International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert at the White House, and are truly grateful for their commitment to jazz and its role in building bridges and uniting people around the world”, said Herbie Hancock. The All-Star Global Concert at the White House will feature a who-is-who in jazz, blues and beyond: Terence Blanchard, Kris Bowers, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Till Brönner, Terri Lyne Carrington, Chick Corea, Jamie Cullum, Kurt Elling, Aretha Franklin, Robert Glasper, Buddy Guy, Herbie Hancock, Zakir Hussain, Al Jarreau, Diana Krall, Lionel Loueke, Hugh Masekela, Christian McBride, John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny, Marcus Miller, James Morrison, Danilo Pérez, Rebirth Brass Band, Dianne Reeves, Lee Ritenour, David Sánchez, Wayne Shorter, Esperanza Spalding, Sting, Trombone Shorty, Chucho Valdés, Bobby Watson, Ben Williams and 12-year-old piano prodigy Joey Alexander are among the names announced so far, with others bound to be added shortly. The concert will be broadcast live on ABC and will be streaming through the International Jazz Day webpage.
“I feel happiest and most ‘myself’ when I’m singing. An audience member once told me I looked ‘zen’ on stage and that’s pretty much how I feel! I love the fact that it is such an expressive avenue through which to communicate and tell stories”.
” I suppose as we’re all quite aware, there has been SO much incredible trio music, so the challenge [for Trichotomy] is adding something to this already rich repertoire of music; hopefully we’re doing that!”
LIVE MAYHEM is more than a document of the toughness and smart writing of James Ryan’s Sonic Mayhem Orchestra. Like all truly worthwhile live albums it stands on its own as a valid document of this unique ensemble.
After sell-out album launches in Melbourne in late 2015, The SURFACE Project and Tom Barton/Diego Villalta have allied to bring their rock and electronic influenced brand of modern jazz to audiences across Australia with a double-bill tour.
