Kurt Elling can woo you with a tender ballad one minute, then just as easily blast you with some rapid-fire scatting. Here, he comes across as sincere, playful and ultimately very charismatic – his fans will be truly rapt with this new album. The Gate is all about precise arrangements and wonderful vocals offering great phrasing and dynamics. His version of Joe Jackson’s Steppin’ Out and the Beatles’ Norwegian Wood are full of texture and tone and very satisfying. Fans will not be disappointed.