1619 Broadway – The Brill Building Project
Kurt Elling · 2012
56 min · 11 tracks · jazz
A jazz-inflected celebration of classic pop and show tunes, blending rich vocals with inventive arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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On Broadway — This track opens the album with an energetic arrangement that captures the essence of urban ambition and nostalgia, setting the thematic tone for the project.
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A House Is Not a Home — Elling's interpretation of this classic showcases his emotive vocal delivery and ability to convey deep sentiment, making it a standout moment on the record.
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American Tune — This track features poignant lyrics and a reflective arrangement, highlighting Elling's skill in melding jazz with lyrical storytelling that resonates deeply.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends classic pop with jazz elements, showcasing strong vocals and inventive arrangements.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo changes, such as 'Come Fly With Me,' which shifts from a laid-back groove to a more upbeat swing.
- Elling often employs call-and-response techniques with the instrumentalists, creating a dynamic interplay that enhances the vocal lines.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- vibrant interpretations of classics
- for late-night listening
- conversational warmth and charm
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, upbeat music
- avoid lengthy, in-order sessions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time '1619 Broadway – The Brill Building Project' was released in 2012, Kurt Elling had already established himself as a leading figure in vocal jazz, following his Grammy award-winning album 'Dedicated to You' from 2011. This project marked a distinctive turn for Elling, embracing the legacy of the Brill Building era while showcasing his versatility in interpreting iconic songs.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Gregory Porter· Cécile McLorin Salvant· Diana Krall
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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A House Is Not a Home
The moment shifts from a description of physical space to emotional resonance, emphasizing how absence transforms meaning.
This transition highlights Elling's mastery of phrasing, allowing listeners to feel the weight of longing and connection beyond mere words.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 On Broadway 6:17
- 2 Come Fly With Me 6:22
- 3 You Send Me 5:00
- 4 I Only Have Eyes for You 5:42
- 5 I'm Satisfied 2:51
- 6 A House Is Not a Home 7:01
- 7 Shoppin' for Clothes 3:30
- 8 So Far Away 6:00
- 9 Pleasant Valley Sunday 3:20
- 10 American Tune 5:27
- 11 Tutti for Cootie 5:23
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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