Kurt Elling & Fred Hersch in Fairfield

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.

Fred Hersch is an American jazz pianist and composer, born in Cincinnati in 1955. He is known for solo and trio recordings, original compositions and interpretations of jazz standards. His catalogue includes Thelonious: Fred Hersch Plays Monk, Songs Without Words and the Walt Whitman setting Leaves of Grass. Fred Hersch became the first pianist to play a full week of solo performances at New York’s Village Vanguard in 2006. Alongside his unaccompanied recitals, he has toured and recorded in a trio format; a longstanding lineup has featured bassist John Hébert and drummer Eric McPherson.