KURT ELLING (USA) “The Beautiful Day“

Kurt Elling’s sincere, emotional and virtuosic performances have melted the hearts of music lovers and critics for decades. Twelve of his thirteen albums have been nominated for Grammy awards, which he finally received in 2010 for his album Dedicated To You. For fiveteen times, also in 2018, the critics of the Down Beat jazz magazine have chosen Elling as the world’s best male singer. Elling gives hundreds of concerts a year and is a welcome performer at festivals around the world. At Jõulujazz, Kurt Elling will perform his programme of Christmas songs, The Beautiful Day.

Kurt Elling’s previous, twelfth album, The Beautiful Day is a special, intelligent and emotional collection. Critics have praised it as the most captivating Christmas album in years. Elling has not sought easy success, but has brought his best creative skills in this album. Well-known songs are sung in exciting arrangements, and the track list also includes pieces that are not often featured on Christmas albums.

Elling has many fans in Estonia too. Singer Hedvig Hanson, for instance, praises the verbal aspect of Elling’s work, which in her opinion could be even called poetry. “He doesn’t only sing about love, he sings about jazz, life … and death. He has studied theology and philosophy – what a powerful background for a jazz singer!” Hanson added.