We want to hate this guy! Why? Well, because years ago, when he was still just a divinity grad student at the
University of Chicago, we used to catch him sitting in on sessions all over the south side. At the time, his vocal stylings used to make us wince – but those years in the trenches definitely did something right, as Elling has emerged to be one
of the freshest male vocalists that jazz has seen in 25 years. Sure, he does have an unfortunate habit for doing this annoying "jazz hipster" monologues – some
of which are on these record, and which are a bit unbearable – but when he sings, really sings, he's got a way
of putting over a song that can match the best
of the elite (and small) group
of true male jazz vocalists
of the past 25 years (like Jon Hendricks, Mark Murphy, and Cleveland Watkiss). This is his first album, and it's still our favorite. Well worth having if you're into jazz vocals, and with great readings
of "Close Your Eyes", "Ballad
Of The Sad Young Men", and "Wait Till You See Her" – plus Elling's own catchy composition "Never Say Goodbye".
(Promotional sticker on booklet cover and stamp on CD.)