Kurt Elling: Minuano
Musicians:
Kurt Elling (vocals), Laurence Hobgood (piano), Brad Wheeler (soprano sax), Rob Amster (bass), Paul Wertico (drums).
Composed by Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays, with words by Kurt Elling
.Recorded: Chicago, January 13-17, 2003
Rating: 95/100 (learn more)
No vocalist is better skilled than Elling at shaping a song into a satisfying dramatic performance. Pat Metheny’s lilting composition is a perfect vehicle for Elling’s interpretive skills. He opens with an invocation that caresses the melody for almost three minutes before launching into an exultant 6/8 melody. We think we’re reaching the climax of the song, when Elling leaps an octave and pushes the piece into overdrive. Eight minutes of sheer aural pleasure. High marks also to pianist Hobgood (whose acute musical direction is always evident on Elling’s recordings) and saxophonist Wheeler.
Reviewer: Ted Gioia
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Tags: jazz vocals · metheny covers · minuano
2 responses so far
Kurt ruined a Metheny masterpiece. I didn't feel the same way about his take on the song as you described above. It sound campy and pretentious. Yes, Kurt has a wondeful voice but why impose lyrics to a song that stands alone solidly as an instrumental?
I totally disagree with you. It's a beautiful metheny song, covered brilliantly by kurt elling. the lyrics fit the feeling of the song perfectly. the polyphonic vocal arrangements are masterful. i can't think of any other singer (besides sting maybe) who could interpret this metheny song as outstandingly.