Kurt Elling is the jazz singer from Chicago who makes even his fellow practitioners shake their heads in disbelief. Elling was a singer's singer for years - his technique dazzling, his range of effects immense, his understanding of both the vocal and instrumental jazz tradition deep, his inventiveness with standard materials astonishing. If he had a fault, it was that his very infallibility (as opposed to the chaotic edge always present in the work of a major influence, Mark Murphy) could sometimes make him seem emotionally detached. But lately Elling has been balancing his dazzling virtuosity with heart, wit and warmth on live shows, and this short tour with the excellent BBC Big Band should confirm his development as both a peerless jazz singer and a compelling entertainer.
· St George's, Bristol, Sun 21; Royal Northern College Of Music, Manchester, Wed 24; Barbican Centre, EC2, Thu 25