Kurt Elling 2 on Jazz Inspired

·59 min·5 clips

Arturo Sandoval's tearful improvisation about Cuba inspired Kurt Elling to write a poignant lyric for his album.

Judy Carmichael hosts this episode of Jazz Inspired, celebrating the show's 25th anniversary by revisiting her 2015 conversation with vocalist Kurt Elling. The episode focuses on Elling's album 'Passion World,' which explores love themes through international collaborations. Elling begins by praising the underrated jazz singer Andy Bey, describing his soulful sound and early career performing at the Apollo Theater. He then discusses Betty Carter's innovative approach to 'Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most,' highlighting her ability to reinvent melodies while telling a story. A significant segment recounts Elling's emotional interaction with trumpeter Arturo Sandoval on a jazz cruise, where Sandoval's improvisation about Cuban exile inspired a collaborative song. Elling also talks about his appreciation for classical singer Renée Fleming, noting her jazz background and ethereal voice. He shares a funny anecdote about a live TV interview in Brazil where language barriers led to nonsensical answers. The conversation touches on Dave Frishberg's song 'The Underdog,' which Elling relates to the jazz singer's life. Elling explains his process for adapting songs like 'After the Door' from Polish singer Anna Maria Jopek and setting James Joyce poetry to music. Throughout, he emphasizes the importance of artistic integrity, presence in performance, and the global influences shaping his work. The episode concludes with reflections on the challenges of balancing personal life with artistic demands, underscoring the dedication required in jazz.

As heard by us

Kurt Elling traces Passion World through the singers, sounds, and encounters that continue to inspire him.

Kurt Elling's account of Passion World gives this Jazz Inspired revisit its shape, as he talks through collaborations with songwriters and musicians from different countries and the idea of a CD built around love around the world.

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Hear Kurt Elling revisit Passion World, Andy Bay, Maritza, and Renee Fleming in a conversation about love, voice, and inspiration.

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