Man in the Air
Kurt Elling · 2003
67 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A lush blend of jazz standards and original compositions featuring Elling's rich baritone and innovative vocal improvisations.
Top tracks — play these first
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Minuano (Vocal version) — This track highlights Elling's ability to reinterpret jazz classics with emotional depth, showcasing his intricate phrasing and connection to the music.
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Resolution — With its complex melodies and rich harmonies, this song exemplifies Elling's lyrical storytelling and vocal agility, making it a standout feature of the album.
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Time to Say Goodbye — Elling's rendition transforms this popular piece into a poignant exploration of farewell, merging classical influences with jazz sensibilities.
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Man in the Air — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic essence, blending introspective lyrics with Elling's signature improvisational style, creating a captivating listening experience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Elling's blend of standards and originals highlights his vocal prowess, though some tracks feel less cohesive.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a steady tempo, while the second half introduces more varied pacing and dynamics.
- 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
- wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts
- introspective moments for quiet reflection
- smooth transitions between themes
- rich baritone for immersive listening
- for evening relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer short, standalone pieces
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2003, Man in the Air marks Kurt Elling's fifth studio album and showcases his development as a leading voice in modern jazz. Following the critically acclaimed album Nightmoves, this release solidified his reputation for blending traditional and contemporary elements while pushing the boundaries of vocal jazz.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Gregory Porter· Cécile McLorin Salvant· Diana Krall
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Minuano (Vocal version) 7:55
- 2 In the Winelight 6:40
- 3 Resolution 6:53
- 4 Time to Say Goodbye 6:43
- 5 The Uncertainty of the Poet 1:09
- 6 The More I Have You 3:38
- 7 Man in the Air 5:32
- 8 A Secret I 6:24
- 9 Higher Vibe 6:37
- 10 Hidden Jewel 5:45
- 11 Never My Love 3:42
- 12 All Is Quiet 6:28
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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