Kurt Elling

Vocalist Kurt Elling’s new CD, Dedicated to You is meant to a tribute to the 1963 classic collaboration between John Coltrane and vocalist Johnny Hartman, therefore an audacious undertaking. Pianist Laurence Hopgood arranges the set using a string quartet, bass, drums and saxophonist Ernie Watts to create a rich background on the recording.

While the original Coltrane/Hartman album has been a runaway success, Kurt Elling has worked hard at creating a different type of aura and only partly succeeded in his endeavour. The title song quite outstanding, Elling has a sure winner on his hands. Although Watts is a mere shadow of Coltrane and Elling not quite the smooth crooner that was Johnny Hartman the album is certainly worth a listen!