“5 Courses in Blue” —
EP Collection

3 reviews for 5 Courses in Blue

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Ellie Cosar – August 20, 2025

   I found these songs and they’re SO good! It’s called “5 Courses in Blue” by David Plahm who writes the words and Elena Welch who sings them.

   “Think in Blue” is my favorite. I would say the song is about being really attracted to someone but trying to cool it down by thinking about “cold things.” But of course it doesn’t work because the cold stuff just makes you feel hotter inside! LOL! The way Elena sings it gives me chills. She has such a beautiful voice.

   David writes really smart lyrics that say exactly how you feel when you like someone. “Jazz is Hip” is fun and “The Art of Not Saying the Word” made me laugh AND tap my feet. All five songs are great.

   Elena learned jazz singing in Chicago and it shows. Her voice is smooth and heartfelt. They recorded these songs in Rome, Italy with awesome musicians. The piano and saxophone sound amazing.

   I wanted to write this on their website because I want to support them.

   I hope David and Elena make more songs together because this is special. I already told some my friends about it and they love it too. More music like this please!

2. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Phillip H. Wright – August 20, 2025

   “5 Courses in Blue” is a poetry-jazz collaboration that actually works on both levels.

   Plahm’s lyrics are genuinely sophisticated. “Think in Blue” uses this whole hot/cold dialectic that reminds me of modernist poetry—the speaker tries to cool down desire by thinking “blue,” but it backfires completely. There’s real irony at work here, not just clever wordplay. Lines like “When the touch is cold as snow, / The warmth still brews within” could stand alone as poetry.

   Welch clearly understands how to set text without overwhelming it. Her melodies enhance the lyrical meaning rather than just providing a vehicle for vocal performance. Recording in Rome with Italian musicians adds this interesting cross-cultural dimension too—American poetry filtered through European jazz sensibilities.

   The poetry doesn’t feel forced into musical structures, and the jazz doesn’t feel like background music. Tracks like “The Art of Not Saying the Word” even engage with postmodern questions about language and communication.

   This is what successful artistic collaboration looks like—two artists who actually understand each other’s mediums creating something that honors both traditions while pushing into new territory. 5-stars, y’all!

3. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Carol Umber – August 20, 2025

   My friend sent me the YouTube link for “5 Courses in Blue” and I’ve been listening all week! As someone who goes to see live jazz regularly, this is the real deal.

   Elena Welch has an authentic jazz sound you don’t hear much anymore. Her voice reminds me of the singers I grew up with—classy but with soul. Elena’s delivery makes every word count. You can tell she really understands the material.

   The lyrics are clever and they swing. Kudos to poet David Plahm.

   I want more music like this that tells actual stories and showcases real talent.