ISN’T IT GRAND, NORWEGIAN BAND

REVIEW Ausjazz blog picks some highlights from the 2012 Melbourne International Jazz Festival: All up, Ausjazz went to all or part of 15 MIJF gigs this year. This is an attempt to pick out some highlights, though there will be posts about individual concerts when time permits. A few explanatory notes: First, I chose not to review the Opening Gala: The Way You Look Tonight … Continue reading ISN’T IT GRAND, NORWEGIAN BAND

PERFECT PRESENT — KURT ELLING ON BEING IN THE MOMENT

INTERVIEW Drawcard: Kurt Elling KURT Elling is a hard taskmaster — hard on himself and on his audiences. The Grammy award-winning vocalist has made a rigorous study of the great jazz singers and strives for total engagement with music through improvisation and spontaneity. He has mastered scatting, singing and writing vocalese lyrics for jazz standards and current repertoire. He can sing a beautiful ballad and … Continue reading PERFECT PRESENT — KURT ELLING ON BEING IN THE MOMENT