By GRAHAM REID
Extraordinary. For two reasons. First because it proved that in some cities being a multiple Grammy nominee in the jazz category means absolutely nothing. Dayton, Ohio, might be one of them, but Auckland - on the evidence of this woefully undersubscribed concert - most definitely is.
But extraordinary also
describes the performance by vocalist Elling, who pens lyrics (mostly romantic or spiritually inclined) to the solos of jazz masters. But if that sounds dry in print - and his albums can be oddly unengaging affairs - under the spotlight Elling can sound uncannily like whatever saxophone conjured up that musical magic in the first place.
So last night was punctuated by bouts of instrumental genius by the vocalist: his adaptation of a Rilke short story into an alto solo by Paul Desmond; recreating the trumpet tones of Miles Davis with its slippery nuances, barely rendered notes and mute effects; referencing the husky tenor tones of John Coltrane and Dexter Gordon ...
In the second half Elling also pulled out a hipster jazz recitation from Jack Kerouac - when Jack and Neal Cassady go to a Chicago club and hear George Shearing - with the Hobgood Trio comping behind or adding lyrical flourishes where appropriate. And the trio itself was outstanding, pianist and co-creator Hobgood playing with thick astringency or delicate, evocative pointillism as the moment demanded.
But while it was a night of musical equals, attention was invariably on Elling and his sensitive lyrics which immediately pulled you into a story or image, then let it take flight on imaginative melodies.
There was only one instance of what might be called showing off - an overlong coda where Elling ran from scat to didgeridoo. But it was forgivable.
This was a rare night - the number of jazz musicians in the hushed audience was testimony to Elling being appreciated by those in the know - and should he return you would do well, and this means even you Idol kids, to catch him. He was an ever-unveiling package of vocal surprises and delights.
And he did it all in a blazer with braided edging which was doubtless expensive but came from the wrong high school.
Extraordinary.
