For nearly 40 years, Memphis-born saxophonist Kirk Whalum has consistently fused authentic jazz prowess with smooth R&B and multitudinous genre flavors into memorable instrumental and vocal selections. His signature sax solo on Whitney Houston’s record-shattering rendition of “I Will Always Love You” from the 1992 soundtrack to The Bodyguard, in addition to pairings with soulful vocal legends such as Angela Bofill, Brenda Russell, and Jevetta Steele, secured his spot in the pantheons of both sophisticated R&B and contemporary jazz.
Epic Cool, Whalum’s new CD, finds the versatile musician in fittingly prolific form, as evidenced by the leadoff single, “Well Alright,” on which he plays both tenor sax and flute alongside standout vibraphone by Nick Mancini and seeping bass work courtesy of songwriter Andrew Ford. Backing vocals by Atlantic Starr alumna Barbara Weathers, SoulTracks fave Lynne Fiddmont and company provide a pleasingly rousing atmosphere that melds ideally with the Latin essence of the tune. Bill Steinway’s driving piano lines and trumpeter Michael Stever’s complementary fills round out a most sapid jam that is at once groovy in feel and mellow in mood.
Check out “Well Alright” below and celebrate the return of the multitalented Kirk Whalum!
by Justin Kantor
Kirk Whalum ft. Nick Mancini and Andrew Ford
“Well Alright”
