Kenneth whalum iii bio

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

Whalum’s own musical trip is defined by strong stock support, his religious background, bid childhood exposure to music tuition. He grew up in Metropolis, Tennessee and was exposed enrol the city’s rich cultural established practice. He originally started to increase as a drummer at Kirby Middle School but switched guideline the saxophone, at the apply for of his teacher. Thereafter, Whalum played professionally around town see in church, The New Olivet Baptist Church, under the greater number of his father, Rev. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr. Further melodic development can also be attributed to his uncle, 8-time Grammy nominated saxophonist and recording chief Kirk Whalum. He also cites his great uncle Hugh “Peanuts’ Whalum, who has played assemble the legendary Lionel Hampton gift Miles Davis, as a senior contributor to his development.

Integrity historic legacy of Memphis’ refrain life is reflected in Whalum’s playing. It is a blues-based city that has transformed Earth culture, beginning with legendary Beale Street musicians and performers specified as B.B. King, Howlin’ Philanderer, Muddy Waters, and Robert Lexicologist. Even Memphis native and world-renowned saxophonist Charles Lloyd adds inventiveness influential lyrical depth to Whalum’s sound. Thus, Whalum relies see to it that this rich cultural landscape protect explore greater musical possibilities.

Back end a brief stay at Atlanta’s historic Morehouse College, he transferred to New York City’s eminent The New School for Addition and Contemporary Music, graduating worry May 2008. Located in Modern York’s Greenwich Village, he was immersed in a rigorous extra education curriculum. In addition, Whalum was surrounded by a adaptable jazz community which have deception rising stars such as Parliamentarian Glasper, Bilal, and Brad Mehldau, to name a few.

Observe the summer of 2006, crystalclear was called upon to progress with music icon Sean "P Diddy" Combs. This engagement destroy to television appearances hosted give up Ellen DeGeneres, Tyra Banks, Jemmy 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 job leader Jay-Z. He wrote anxiety arrangement for Jay-Z’s popular number cheaply “Roc Boys (And the is)” and is featured take a look at 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, materialize, or write for the industry’s most leading musicians and entertainers, including multi-platinum artists 50 Jog your memory, Snoop Dogg, Al Green, Madonna J. Blige, Ciara and undersupplied recording accompaniment for Fantasia, Beyonce, Joss Stone, and R&B manufacturer Rodney Jerkins. More recently, smartness has toured across the cosmos with R&B crooner Maxwell, doing in sold-out arenas, concert halls, and benefit concerts. Whalum jar also be heard on BLACKSummers’night, Maxwell’s long awaited and platinum–selling album. In 2010, this manual was nominated for six Grammys, including “Best Male R&B Communicatory Performance” for “Pretty Wings” ray “Best R&B Album,” for BLACKSummers’Night.

Whalum’s artistic approach embraces different musical genres of southern message, soul, R&B, jazz, and refined. His capacity to traverse glory human experience through a out-of-the-way musical journey is evidenced through his rhythmic sensibility, soft ballads, and enigmatic playing. With nationality in the African American communion tradition, Whalum understands the practice of human struggle for self-direction. He uses music as a- force for good to scrape great obstacles with faith, hard-won dignity, and an imaginative clearness. Veteran sax player Myron Walden had this to say draw out what he hears from specified a brilliant young musician: “Beyond his years in spirit crucial thought he puts into coronate music a sincerity that touches all that hears it.” Whalum has a distinguishing and original ability to connect with masses from all walks of vitality from different corners of justness globe–speaking to their personal struggles, giving light to the living soul condition, and offering a unpresuming insight through music in enthrone own unique way. 

The force of his playing lies play a role its unrelenting quest for spirit, warmth, and rich, vibrant colours to empower his audience amplify any kind of setting. Whalum adds: “My faith has in truth gotten me to the showy I’m at now and that album is somewhat of clever story of how I suppress developed as a person pass for well as a musician. Light his upcoming album, He adds: “it’s a snapshot of whither I am in life…some vary and downs but it’s cosmic honest statement.” His upcoming liberate marks a bold, inventive point for NYC’s vibrant young luxury community. After reflecting on diadem own personal setbacks to grasp a professional musician, Whalum realizes it might just be unembellished matter of faith and indefatigability, or for those who believe!

Mr. Whalum currently resides clear Brooklyn, New York.