First Greek concert for Kurt Elling
Once upon a time, there were the so-called crooners, male singers in the 1940s who performed some of the classic jazz standards accompanied mostly by big bands. They enjoyed their golden age, despite the fact that the term itself carried some negative connotations with it. In fact, Frank Sinatra – for some, the definition of the absolute crooner – did not like to consider himself or Bing Crosby crooners. Yet there is nothing negative about «crooning» nowadays – it is a style that has survived and one of its most popular modern-day representatives is Harry Connick Jr. Kurt Elling also comes very close. He has the ability to move within this great American tradition but at the same time he can also escape it and remain a genuine and talented jazz singer and composer. Local audiences will have the opportunity to appreciate how well Elling can combine classic jazz with contemporary trends at the Pallas Theater tonight, where he is scheduled to give his first Greek concert. The 42-year-old is dedicated to jazz and has been recording with the Blue Note label. One cannot help but wonder if he feels he is moving in an elitist world. «Experimentation is in the nature of jazz,» he told Kathimerini. «Some people find this attractive, others don’t. Life is full of unknown aspects and most people are comfortable with what they already know. Personally, I prefer leaving my comfort zone creatively.» For Elling, jazz is mostly an «urban folk music that can reach high artistic levels. It is a hyper-eloquent party music but it is also an appeal for some understanding in this night of absolute confusion.» Elling says he does not pay attention to the way that the majority of people or the music industry perceive jazz. «During the 20th century, pop music shifted from having demanding forms to much simpler ones. Jazz, on the contrary, followed an entirely different direction. It became more demanding and acquired a larger quantity of subtle shades. Pop music has more or less become simpler and more adolescent, wilder and even harsh. Jazz developed in a different way and acquired a more refined character.» Elling also seems to disregard fear of Internet downloading. «Technological progress is not a bad thing but unfortunately, especially now that technology can offer us so many comforts, we reveal the extent of our greed.» When asked about the program he will present at the Pallas Theater, he did not say much – except that he will include compositions from the impeccable collaboration between John Coltrane and excellent vocalist Johnny Hartman. «I will give you my best self,» he promised. Pallas Theater, 5 Voukourestiou, tel 210.321.3100
