Kirk Whalum
Jazz
The next Kirk Whalum concert is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Kampala Serena Hotel in Kampala, Uganda. See all 19 upcoming concerts
Upcoming Concerts for Kirk Whalum
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- May10May 10, 2025Kampala Serena HotelKampala
- May11May 11, 2025Carnivore GroundsNairobi
- May16May 16, 2025Peermont D'oreale Grande at Emperors PalaceKempton Park
- May18May 18, 2025Walter Sisulu National Botanical GardensRoodepoort
- May31May 31, 2025Clark CountyLas Vegas
- Jun27Jun 27, 2025Ludlow GarageCincinnati
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About Kirk Whalum
Artist Biography
Though Kirk Whalum is one of the most successful saxophonists to be categorized under the “smooth jazz” 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 Whalum’s sound, as did the R&B and rock ’n’ roll coming out of his hometown. When he started doing session work in the early ’80s, 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. Whalum’s 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 Houston’s blockbuster “I Will Always Love You,” but his home base remains smooth jazz, to which he brings his manifold influences for a rich, deeply rooted sound.
Hometown
Memphis, TN, United States
Genre
Jazz
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