LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL: Kurt Elling + Jonathan Gee/Tony Kofi

Nothing less than the foremost male singer in jazz today, Elling possesses a rarified voice of laconic beauty that has all the world-weary charm and effortless virtuoisty of Mark Murphy. Known for his esoteric choice of material, here he revisits John Coltrane's only ever vocal collaboration with Johnny Hartman with lush reworkings from his trio – featuring stunning pianist Laurence Hobgood – plus a string quartet. Monk-inspired piano and sax duo of Gee and Kofi provide fine support.