Edinburgh,
Queen’s Hall 22nd February
2014 at 7.30
pm
2014 begins in bold style for The Scottish National Jazz
Orchestra (SNJO) with yet
another adventurous collaboration – this time with the world’s foremost jazz
vocalist, Kurt Elling. Together
they present Syntopicon, a
concert exploring life’s philosophies through music.
Kurt
Elling is an international star, whose rich baritone voice spans four octaves
and features both astonishing technical mastery and emotional depth. Using his extraordinary skills in vocalese, scat and the spoken
word, Kurt warmly communicates with his audience while self-penned lyrics are
more than a companion to the melody. They
are words expressed as notes, and notes expressed as words…. and every word
counts.
“Syntopicon”
- a portmanteau, a grab-bag of
ideas, or group of topics - is music to embrace and deliver
universal ideas through intelligent words, wonderful music and breathtaking
song extoling in equal measures the vicissitudes of Love, Life, Joy, Beauty, Knowledge,
Language and Courage.
Fresh arrangements specially commissioned by the SNJO
will give free reign to Elling’s highly cultivated use of vocalese – the creation of new song based on
improvised melody. From Bernstein’s euphoric and youthful West Side Story to Paul
Simon’s mid-west, mid life
crisis, American Tune or taking a spin in John Scofield’s Jeep on 35, audiences will love
the diversity of material. There’s a place too for the internationalism of Vince Mendoza’s Esperanto; a chance to Go on one of Wayne Shorter’s stellar excursions; and time to enjoy
the quietness of still waters in a “boat song” very much closer to home.
The vision is as
celebratory as it is revelatory. Some of the most admired works of Mingus, Monk, Ellington, Pastorius and Shorterare
on offer having been arranged by some of the foremost jazz arrangers worldwide
at present. Geoffrey Keezer, Michael Abene, Bob Mintzer. Tommy Smith and Jim
McNeely have all contributed to this great evening of wonderful music,
breath-taking song and shared experience – surely to be a jazz highlight of
2014!
“Elling is the standout male vocalist of our
time.” The New York
Times,
“Since the mid-1990s, no singer in jazz has been as
daring, dynamic or interesting as Kurt Elling. With his soaring vocal flights,
his edgy lyrics and sense of being on a musical mission, he has come to embody
the creative spirit in jazz.” Washington
NB: All Concerts
start at 7.30 pm. There is a free pre concert talk with Kurt and Tommy at
6.45pm.
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