Vocalist Kurt Elling and Guitarist Charlie Hunter SuperBlue Tour
Indy Jazz Fest 2023
Two-time GRAMMY-winning jazz vocalist Kurt Elling and 7-string guitar phenom Charlie Hunter teamed up for the release of their album SuperBlue in late 2021 with grand success. Now on tour and making a welcome stop during Indy Jazz Fest, Elling and Hunter’s band hit the stage at The Cabaret on September 28, 2023.
Mix-up of Vocals, Scats, and Spoken Word
Elling was in command of the night as much of the music was featured from the SuperBlue album. It was a hipster’s dream night as Elling provided a mix-up of vocals, scats, and spoken word with interplay from the band including Julius Rodriguez on keys and Marcus Finnie on drums.
One of the unexpected highlights for the audience this night was Elling’s homage to Bob Dorough and memories of him as the composer and performer of songs in the TV series Schoolhouse Rock! While telling tales of his own challenges with math, Elling then leaned into “Naughty Number Nine,” the bluesy “Schoolhouse Rock” anthem that taught kids their multiplication tables - a cover tune worth addition to the SuperBlue set.
7-string Guitar Master
Charlie Hunter also shared a solo performance with the crowd – demonstrating to anyone who didn’t know it previously what a master – no you’d have to say incredible genius - he is on that 7-string guitar playing bass lines, chords, and melodies at the same time.
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*Photographer Mark Sheldon is on the Board of Directors of The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation which produces Indy Jazz Fest.
Kurt Elling ©2023 Mark Sheldon
