Grammy Award-winning singer and composer Kurt Elling is having a blast on stage with acclaimed guitarist Charlie Hunter as part of the SuperBlue project. The two recently performed with their band at the 2023 Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival.
WBGO's Doug Doyle caught up with Kurt Elling after his set at Highmark Stadium on Sunday, September 17. Elling says, "I'm taking a chance with this jazz adjacent music but Charlie is such a virtuoso musician and we've been able to surround ourselves some of these incredible young people coming up."
Hunter called Elling during the COVID pandemic with hopes of collaborating. It's been a match that audiences are enjoying.
"We're having a good time. We're writing new material and doing some covers, making the best music we can possibly make. Charlie is inspiring, soulful and the musical vibe is great. He's so intelligent. He's the cream of the crop."
Elling put on an energetic performance that included music from SuperBlue's new album.
"I want to really reach out to the people, take every chance I can take and deliver for them."
During the interview, Elling also thanked WBGO for supporting his music through the years.
The four-day Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival wrapped up on September 17, 2023.
