Close Your Eyes
Kurt Elling · 1995
63 min · 13 tracks · jazz
A lush tapestry of vocal jazz woven with intimate storytelling and sophisticated arrangements.
Why this album works
This album is significant as it helped redefine vocal jazz, garnering critical acclaim and establishing Elling as a prominent figure in the genre. 'Close Your Eyes' was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance, showcasing its impact within the industry and influencing a new generation of jazz vocalists.
- Best for
- intimate storytelling through vocals wave-like pacing with dynamics reflective moments for quiet evenings
- Context
- Released in 1995, 'Close Your Eyes' marked Kurt Elling's debut album, introducing his unique baritone voice and impeccable phrasing to the jazz scene. At this point in his career, Elling was transitioning from being a relatively unknown performer to gaining recognition for his innovative approach to jazz standards and original compositions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Hiromi Uehara· Pat Metheny· Cannonball Adderley
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Close Your Eyes Standout 6:08
- 2 Dolores Dream Standout 6:36
- 3 Ballad of the Sad Young Men Standout 6:20
- 4 (Hide the) Salome 6:59
- 5 Married Blues 1:32
- 6 Storyteller Experiencing Total Confusion 6:16
- 7 Never Say Goodbye (for Jodi) 5:33
- 8 Those Clouds Are Heavy, You Dig? 3:09
- 9 Wait 'Till You See Her 3:58
- 10 Hurricane 4:50
- 11 Now It Is Time That Gods Came Walking Out 2:03
- 12 Never Never Land 5:53
- 13 Remembering Veronica 4:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.