KIRK WHALUM
Saxophone
Soulful, passionate, stirring…these are the words most often used to describe Kirk’s music. Forged from his Memphis, TN gospel roots, Kirk’s big, rich tenor sound is unmistakably his. The 80’s were highlighted by his stepping out of his blossoming sideman role and forming his own band. It was in Houston where jazz pianist Bob James “discovered” him and brought him on tour, which led to five successful albums, including “Cache”, Kirk’s first #1 album. As well, Kirk and Bob received a Grammy nomination for their collaboration album “Joined at the Hip”. After moving to L.A., Whalum became an in-demand session player for artists like Barbra Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Quincy Jones and Whitney Houston. It’s his sax heard on the mega-hit, “I Will Always Love You.” To date, Kirk has released over 25 solo recordings and received numerous awards for his musical excellence including amongst others three Dove Award nominations, an NAACP Image Award nomination and 12 Grammy nominations. In 2011, he won his first Grammy award (Best Gospel Song – “It’s What I Do”). In addition to his many solo projects, Kirk is a member of the soul/jazz group, BWB, with Rick Braun (trumpet) and Norman Brown (guitar).
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