When it comes to singers, Kurt Elling is about as hip as they get. He’s more widely known in jazz circles so if you’re not familiar with his work, think of him sort of like the George Clooney of male vocalists. His voice is so arresting, hearing him on the radio stopped producer Don Was dead in his tracks which led to the two teaming up for his latest release The Gate. Kurt makes some really nice song choices and the entire record soars but it’s his version of Joe Jackson’s 1980’s classic “Steppin’ Out” that’s right up our cover tune alley. The swagger he brings to an already great song should have some of his fellow male vocalists shaking in their boot-blés. He’s a class act that appears to be at the top of his game. Even if you’re not into the whole jazz thing, this taste of Kurt Elling (just click on the play arrow below) will have you firing up a smoke and saying, “Can you dig it, man?”
Kurt Elling - Steppin' Out [ 1:45 ]
And for some added fun, the video below shows Kurt Elling flexing his musicality on Steve Miller’s “The Joker.” (Be sure to catch the guitar solo at 3:46.)
Links:
The Gate
Kurt Elling