Eight-time Grammy nominated jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum will release the long-awaited third installment in his popular genre-bridging gospel jazz series this fall with a special package and unique online marketing campaign.
The Gospel According To Jazz: Chapter III will be available November 17, 2009, in both a two-disc CD package and a special DVD. The project will be released by Whalum’s label Top Drawer Records and distributor Mack Avenue Records.
Unique to the concept of The Gospel According To Jazz is the fact that it brings jazz fans, gospel fans, and R&B fans together with those who are dedicated to Christ, and meets the listeners where they are spiritually.
In addition to Whalum, the celebration features jazz keyboardist George Duke, vocalist Lalah Hathaway, guitarist Doc Powell, vocalist Kevin Whalum, keyboardist/vocalist John Stoddart, percussionist Lenny Castro, and others.
Further, Whalum celebrates family as well as faith by engaging some other highly talented relatives. In addition to his brother Kevin, the set features his uncle, singer and saxophonist Hugh “Peanuts” Whalum; his nephew, saxophonist Kenneth Whalum III; his son, bassist Kyle Whalum; his nephew, vocalist Kortland Whalum; and his cousin, hip-hop artist Caleb Tha Bridge.
Recorded live in 2007 at the Reid Temple AME church in Glenn Dale, Maryland – GATJ3 is a joyous concert of praise and worship, where Whalum takes listeners on a journey from spirituals through New Orleans jazz through modern jazz, R&B, hip-hop, reggae, blues, and gospel.
“It’s kind of a mini journey through the evolution of jazz to an extent,” Whalum said in an interview with JL Media Group, adding that “It documents the fact that gospel is not a recent collaborator with jazz. They started out together.”
In addition, the CD package includes a bonus track version of “You Are Everything” featuring Bishop T.D. Jakes and his wife Serita Jakes.
