Jazz
United States
Kirk Whalum
On Tour
About Kirk Whalum
Though Kirk Whalum is one of the most successful saxophonists to be categorized under the âsmooth jazzâ umbrella, his work touches on gospel, soul, pop, and beyond. Born in the musical hotbed of Memphis in 1958, Whalum came from a musical family, including jazz-musician uncles and a church choirmaster father. All of this influenced Whalumâs sound, as did the R&B and rock ânâ roll coming out of his hometown. When he started doing session work in the early â80s, he played on rock albums, Christian pop records, and more. But when he started playing with jazz keyboard giant Bob James, he really hit his groove. Whalumâs 1985 solo debut LP, Floppy Disc, showcased sweet, soulful tones framed by groove-conscious, electronic-oriented production; his recordings have also celebrated the gospel of his youth and the songs of Donny Hathaway. In 1992, Whalum became part of pop history by playing the sax solo on Whitney Houstonâs blockbuster âI Will Always Love You,â but his home base remains smooth jazz, to which he brings his manifold influences for a rich, deeply rooted sound.
Kirk Whalum has also released music as a member of BWB.
Musical InfluencesKirk Whalum's musical influences include Quincy Jones, Grover Washington, Jr., Bob James and more.
Influenced by Kirk WhalumKirk Whalum has influenced the music of Marion Meadows, Vincent Ingala, Marcus Anderson and more.
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