Kurt Elling

It helps me to learn things in different languages, even if it's just phonetically, and to make myself vulnerable to other audiences by trying to reflect back to them the genius of their own cultures, and to do that, oftentimes, in new jazz settings, new arrangements. It's a way to show respect.

That's the thing: There are so many art songs in jazz. It's a much more rich experience for the singer than people think.

I try to stick with things that I can sing with honesty.

One doesn't have to scat to be a jazz singer.

I'm one of the culprits who keeps turning stuff around, shaking up original tunes and trying to stand the canon on its ear. But sometimes, you just need to sing the song.