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The supremely creative vocalist, lyricist and producer Kurt Elling is always on the hunt for collaborators eager to explore new musical directions. In pianist Joey Calderazzo, he’s found a consummate compadre who shares the same passion for rarified melodicism, brawny swing, and fearless improvisational gambits.

The relationship was forged in the red-hot crucible of the Branford Marsalis Quartet, Calderazzo’s primary gig since the late 1990s (after a brilliant introduction with tenor titan Michael Brecker, who produced the pianist’s first album). Touring widely with the band after appearing as a special guest on Marsalis’s 2015 album Upward Spiral, Elling made note of Calderazzo’s fierce intelligence and circled back to pursue a new project together. After recently delving into the songbook of the visionary fusion band Weather Report, they bring a new project to this date.

With two GRAMMY Awards and 16 nominations, Elling has been recognized as one of jazz’s most formidable male vocalists since the release of his 2015 Blue Note debut Close Your Eyes.

From Brad Mehldau and Fred Hersch to Joanne Brackeen and Harold Mabern, he’s been the go-to cat for off-the-beaten path assignments. In recent years he’s been roving with guitar wizard Charlie Hunter in SuperBlue, a funk-informed project that has opened up new musical vistas.

Personnel
Kurt Elling vocals
Joey Calderazzo piano

Setlist
"It's Only A Paper Moon" Harold Allen, Yip Harburg
"Daydream" Billy Strayhorn
"The Enchantress" Joey Calderazzo, Kurt Elling
"Speak No Evil" Wayne Shorter
"A Pilgrimage To Yourself" Joe Zawinul, Kurt Elling
"Long As Your Living" Tommy Turrentine, Oscar Brown Jr