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.

 
On the way out, cold dig the spoken word & poetry flow from actress Kim Fields on “In A Whisper”. Its hot!!

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.

 
See Ya’
 
T
The Urban Music Scene
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