*“It’s nice to finally meet you,” said 12-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist Kirk Whalum when I introduced myself to him as he was going backstage at the 35th Long Beach Jazz Festival held recently where he was headlining with The Braxton Brothers, Keiko Matsui, and Jefferey Osborne.
I had interviewed Kirk earlier about his new album “Epic Cool“ when he invited me to come to his next performance in my area, which happened to be the Long Beach Jazz Festival. The LBJF was three days of continuous music that not only included Jazz but R&B, Blues, and Soul.
The three days also consisted of performances from Brian Simpson, Nicolas Cole, Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp, Jonathan Butler, October London, and Gerald Albright – to name some. The last day was the day for Kirk’s show. I patiently waited in anticipation of the saxman who captured my attention while he was backing Whitney Houston. The way he makes his sax “sing” is the signature of his style
When I saw Kirk going backstage, he had come out to get something to eat. But did he let that food stop him from giving us over 45 minutes of his talent and air – no! Before his set, the iconic Billboard award-winning Japanese Jazz pianist Keiko Matsui performed from her last two albums – the latest being “Euphoria.” However, when Kirk came on after her it was like it was the highlight of the whole weekend, everyone – even those so far back they could not even see the stage came to their feet.
I believe Kirk Whalum knew how special he was to them because, at some point in his show, he came off stage and into the crowd performing for them up close and personal so that all could get a chance to see him. So excited was the crowd they started to dance. That was the first time in the three days with all the shows I saw that the crowd got up to dance. I do believe Kirk Whalum was the highlight of the entire Long Beach Jazz Festival.
I noticed something else. Kirk used his show to highlight the talents of others! Not only by giving them a solo spot but by covering other people’s music even though he has a list of his hits and just recently released a new album. What an iconic and humble superstar!
Whalum honored Charles Lloyd with the “Forest Flower” cover, honored Grover Washington, and honored Luther Vandross with his “Any Love” cover. Of his material, he performed “Badi ah” which he sang on, and he called out Keiko Matsui to perform with him in A-minor on the song “Well Alright” which he sang on as well. His keyboardist/music director John Mayer performed a solo during “Through the Storm.” Andrew Ford (bass) had a solo on Kirk’s song “Well Alright.” He allowed his lead guitarist Andrea Lisa to do a solo on “Love & Healing” which she is featured on and perform one of her own original songs from her album “Silver Lining”.
Aside from Andrea Lisa on guitar and John Mayers on keys, his band also consisted of Marcus Finnie on drums and Nathan East on bass. Kirk Whalum was phenomenal at the 35th Long Beach Jazz Festival! His upcoming performances are on Sept. 8, 2024, in Memphis with Mindi Abair; Sept 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th Seattle, WA at the Jazz Alley; Sept. 27th in N. Orleans, LA at the Orpheum Theatre; Oct. 3 – 6 in Rancho Mirage, CA at the Desert Jazz Festival; Nov. 2nd in New York, NY at Sony Hall, and Dec. 6 & 7 in Charlotte, NC at Middle C. Jazz. www.KirkWhalum.com
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Dr. Eunice Moseley has an estimated weekly readership of over one million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Business Management/Public Relations Strategist and Consultant at Freelance Associates and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENTS: “Uplifting Minds II” Entertainment Conference (ULMII), founded by Eunice in 1999, is in its 25th year. The next events are coming to Baltimore via Zoom on Saturday, April 20, 2024, presented by Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times, and Los Angeles via Zoom on Saturday, November 9, 2024. The ULMII event is a free entertainment conference offering a Professional Panel Q&A Session, a Professional Talent Showcase and a National Talent Competition (vocal, songwriting, dance, and acting) where aspiring artists have a chance to receive over $19,000 valued in prizes/product/services. Log onto www.UpliftingMinds2.com and RSVP for Zoom Access at EventBrite.com or email info@thepulseofentertainment.com.
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