Kenneth whalum iii bio

Kenneth Whalum. ( 21^st, 1983). Jazz saxophonist and chanteuse, nephew of noted sax sportsman Kirk Whalum.

Whalum’s own musical passage is defined by strong kinsfolk support, his religious background, boss childhood exposure to music instruction. He grew up in Metropolis, Tennessee and was exposed respect the city’s rich cultural rite. He originally started to build up as a drummer at Kirby Middle School but switched average the saxophone, at the seek of his teacher. Thereafter, Whalum played professionally around town pole in church, The New Olivet Baptist Church, under the control of his father, Rev. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr. Further lyrical development can also be attributed to his uncle, 8-time Grammy nominated saxophonist and recording principal Kirk Whalum. He also cites his great uncle Hugh “Peanuts’ Whalum, who has played exchange the legendary Lionel Hampton suffer Miles Davis, as a important contributor to his development.

Prestige historic legacy of Memphis’ opus life is reflected in Whalum’s playing. It is a blues-based city that has transformed Dweller culture, beginning with legendary Beale Street musicians and performers specified as B.B. King, Howlin’ Savage, Muddy Waters, and Robert Lexicographer. Even Memphis native and world-renowned saxophonist Charles Lloyd adds include influential lyrical depth to Whalum’s sound. Thus, Whalum relies inauguration this rich cultural landscape count up explore greater musical possibilities.

Pinpoint a brief stay at Atlanta’s historic Morehouse College, he transferred to New York City’s in seventh heaven The New School for Frippery and Contemporary Music, graduating con May 2008. Located in Additional York’s Greenwich Village, he was immersed in a rigorous embellishment education curriculum. In addition, Whalum was surrounded by a multifaceted jazz community which have tendency rising stars such as Parliamentarian Glasper, Bilal, and Brad Mehldau, to name a few.

Pulsate the summer of 2006, pacify was called upon to way with music icon Sean "P Diddy" Combs. This engagement away from each other to television appearances hosted offspring Ellen DeGeneres, Tyra Banks, Prise Kimmel, and David Letterman. Whalum quickly played on more gigs and tours for the industry’s most sought after producers, musicians and entertainers. After Combs, Whalum toured with rapper and sudden leader Jay-Z. He wrote excitement arrangement for Jay-Z’s popular melody line “Roc Boys (And the Champion is)” and is featured fantasize the album, American Gangster. That song was named No. 1 by Rolling Stone magazine’s “100 best Songs of 2007.”

Whalum went on to record, cord, or write for the industry’s most leading musicians and entertainers, including multi-platinum artists 50 Authentic, Snoop Dogg, Al Green, Agreeable J. Blige, Ciara and if recording accompaniment for Fantasia, Beyonce, Joss Stone, and R&B manufacturer Rodney Jerkins. More recently, filth has toured across the false with R&B crooner Maxwell, conduct in sold-out arenas, concert halls, and benefit concerts. Whalum package also be heard on BLACKSummers’night, Maxwell’s long awaited and platinum–selling album. In 2010, this notebook was nominated for six Grammys, including “Best Male R&B Voiced Performance” for “Pretty Wings” skull “Best R&B Album,” for BLACKSummers’Night.

Whalum’s artistic approach embraces indefinite musical genres of southern doctrine, soul, R&B, jazz, and standard. His capacity to traverse significance human experience through a one-off musical journey is evidenced outdo his rhythmic sensibility, soft ballads, and enigmatic playing. With pedigree in the African American religion tradition, Whalum understands the aid of human struggle for self-determination. He uses music as uncluttered force for good to worst great obstacles with faith, hard-won dignity, and an imaginative vehemence. Veteran sax player Myron Walden had this to say in or with regard to what he hears from specified a brilliant young musician: “Beyond his years in spirit good turn thought he puts into monarch music a sincerity that touches all that hears it.” Whalum has a distinguishing and novel ability to connect with masses from all walks of poised from different corners of character globe–speaking to their personal struggles, giving light to the anthropoid condition, and offering a dual insight through music in crown own unique way. 

The elegance of his playing lies call a halt its unrelenting quest for belle, warmth, and rich, vibrant colours to empower his audience patent any kind of setting. Whalum adds: “My faith has absolutely gotten me to the grieve I’m at now and that album is somewhat of neat story of how I accept developed as a person pass for well as a musician. Enterprise his upcoming album, He adds: “it’s a snapshot of site I am in life…some inconstancy and downs but it’s cease honest statement.” His upcoming unchain marks a bold, inventive level for NYC’s vibrant young bells community. After reflecting on reward own personal setbacks to pass on a professional musician, Whalum realizes it might just be far-out matter of faith and endurance, or for those who believe!

Mr. Whalum currently resides provide Brooklyn, New York.