The Orchard is excited to distribute music from the new label, Big Shoulders Records, co-founded by Grammy-winning vocalist Kurt Elling and his longtime manager Bryan Farina.
Kurt Elling is a two-time GRAMMY winner celebrated for his rich sound and innovative vocal jazz style. The New York Times calls him “the standout male jazz vocalist of our time,” while The Guardian describes him as “a kind of Sinatra with superpowers.” Over his 25-year career, he has earned 16 GRAMMY nominations and multiple international awards.
Elling has collaborated with top jazz artists, including Branford Marsalis, Danilo Pérez, and Fred Hersch, and performed with ensembles such as the NY Philharmonic, the Count Basie Orchestra, and the WDR Big Band. Beyond performance, he has co-created multidisciplinary works for Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater and Jazz at Lincoln Center, including The Big Blind, a jazz musical co-written with Phil Galdston.
With Big Shoulders Records, Elling takes the next step in his career—creating an independent record label and home for jazz that prioritizes artistic freedom, sustainability, and a deep commitment to the next generation of musicians.
“This just makes sense in today’s music world,” says Kurt Elling. “Big Shoulders isn’t just a label—it’s a launchpad. We’re making it easier for artists to put out music whenever and however they want, without waiting on anyone’s permission. It’s about giving musicians the freedom to create on their own terms and actually build something sustainable.”
The first single from Big Shoulders Records, “Steppin’ Out,” was originally recorded by Joe Jackson and later featured on Elling’s 2011 GRAMMY-nominated album The Gate. This newly reimagined version, arranged by Michael Abene and featuring Cologne’s Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) Big Band, previews Elling’s upcoming full-length Big Band album, set for release this fall.
Listen to “Steppin’ Out” out now. And keep up with Big Shoulder Records through their website.
