Kurt Elling & Christian Sands in Berkeley

Kurt Elling is an American jazz vocalist and songwriter, born in Chicago in 1967. Known for his baritone voice and vocalese, he writes lyrics for established instrumental solos and interprets standards alongside original material. His recordings include Close Your Eyes, The Messenger and the Grammy-winning Dedicated to You: Kurt Elling Sings the Music of Coltrane and Hartman. Kurt Elling developed his early live repertoire through a long-running weekly engagement at the Green Mill. Live in Chicago was recorded at the club, and he later documented another engagement on Live at the Blue Note. Dedicated to You captured a further concert performance at Lincoln Center.

Christian Sands is an American jazz pianist and composer, born in New Haven in 1989. His contemporary post-bop writing and improvisation are represented on albums including Reach, Facing Dragons and Be Water, and he is also known for his work with bassist Christian McBride. Sands toured internationally as the pianist in the Christian McBride Trio and appears on Live at the Village Vanguard, recorded during the group’s engagement at the New York club. He later established his own touring ensembles, performing as a leader in jazz clubs, concert halls and at festivals. His leader concerts commonly feature a piano trio with double bass and drums, drawing on original compositions and jazz standards. His trio has appeared at Newport Jazz Festival and Ronnie Scott’s in London.