Kirk Whalum – Roundtrip
Silky, Smooth & Gifted Sax Man Kirk Whalum sends you back, his way, to a time of great music compositions & danceable tracks. Needless to say, I enjoyed this album. Would I consider it to be the best offering from his discography? Well…
Track Listing:
— Courtney
— Desperately
— Ruby, Ruby, Ruby
— Glow
— The Wave
— Big Ol’ Shoes
— Inside
— In A Whisper
— Roundtrip
— Back In The Day
— Afterthought
“Courtney” opens up with a retro feel, although is best suited for radio play. “Desperately” came right out the box & jammed! He slows it down a tid bit with “Ruby Ruby Ruby” – a contemporary jazz feel with a smooth guitar solo, “The Wave” grabbed my attention. This one gets the repeat button – Oh Yeah! That track is actually a reworking from his previous deals…
On “Big Ol’ Shoes”, Kirk pays tribute to the late great Mr. Grover Washington Jr. I appreciated that one! “Roundtrip” was my most favorite track – right down to the scats & hooklines!
Not much more to share as always, other than the fact the CD was a very well produced project. It has its great moments, from some punches to the grooveline to a sweet slow ballad & a wonderful vocal from R&B vocalist, Shanice in “Inside”!
The team of players he brought to the ‘big screen’ includes Philippe Saisse, Rex Rideout, James McMillan, Earl Klugh, Jeff Golub & Gerald Albright.
This project is warm & received. Considered to be one of the most consistent players in the Contemporary/Gospel/Smooth & Urban Jazz fronts, this CD should be considered.
The Urban Music Scene