Wildflowers Vol. 3

Wildflowers, Vol. 3 is the newest chapter in Kurt Elling’s ever-unfolding journey—a five-song exploration that finds the multiple GRAMMY-winning vocalist teaming up for the first time with acclaimed pianist Christian Sands. The result is a spontaneous, soul-stirring set that captures both artists at their most fearless and free. From the jubilant swing of “The Glow-Worm” to the haunting tenderness of “My Son,” the EP balances Elling’s vocal daring with Sands’ lyrical touch at the keys. Together, they reimagine unexpected material—from a Bee Gees ballad (“Emotion”) to a Thelonious Monk classic (“Blue Monk”)—while unveiling new gems like Sands’ “Song of the Rainbow People,” complete with newly-penned lyrics by Elling and a soaring guest appearance by trumpet master Marquis Hill. Recorded in a single day without the safety net of over-preparation, Wildflowers, Vol. 3 is a testament to jazz as risk-taking dialogue: unfiltered, intimate, and brimming with discovery. It’s a celebration of instinctive collaboration, where two boundary-defying voices in modern jazz meet in the moment—and leave us with a record that’s as joyous as it is profound.