Body and Soul

It's no secret that I'm incredibly affected by music and sounds in general--- whether it's positively or negatively. Some music can move me to tears with a single note or chord. Very rarely, however, does a solo vocalist have that ability on a consistent basis.

Kurt Elling, whom I saw tonight, possesses a voice that has just that affect on me. It's like love, passion, heartbreak, devastation and pure joy, all in a single instant.

To add to the experience, I saw him in the Allen Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center. For those who haven't been there, the entire back wall, behind the musicians, is made of glass. So, you can see the bustle and lights from high above Columbus Circle in the background. It's "music under the stars", only more city lights and not having to face the elements of a NY winter night.

Of course, Laurence Hobgood helps round out the experience. I swear that man has complete independent control of each hand. Some of his solos sound (in very much a good way) like they're working from entirely different parts of his brain-- one hand doing something cool and playing with rhythms while the other is off doing some other amazing thing entirely.

Then again, Rob Amster and Kobie Watkins, his bassist and drummer, respectively, ain't too shabby either!

I had a really, really crappy afternoon (just horribly frustrating-- nothing earth-shattering). My mood is much improved. I still wanted to cry, but at least this time it was for something good.