Search - Kirk Whalum :: Christmas Message

This Is An Instant Holiday Classic For All Kirk & Jazz Fans!

Forrest Dickson | Upland, California, United States | 11/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A traditional Christmas Message full of the Good News for jazz fans of yesteryear and today! A must have for the holiday season for the young and old alike, okay? Make me wanna put up a tree in June had Kirk kicked it to us that soon! Whether you like Kirk, or simply the sax sound of jazz, from traditional to smoove~groove, this project is a must have! Get it now and wish yo'self a Merry Christmas!"

And the message grooves

Michael Hoffman | Bellevue, WA United States | 12/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So often, recording artists whose work we love, put out a Christmas CD, and it just doesnt match or come up to the level we expect. That is because Christmas albums are difficult to pull off. They are basically very straight ahead songs, like the star spangled banner. Boring if played straight down, but irritatingly forced sounding and lacking holiday feel, if done over the top. Leaves a small area for an artist to cut a solid holiday CD. Well, Kirk Whalum nailed it.Kirk Whalum is both true to the great sound of his previous work, and has created here a CD busting with excellent Christmas music. Many of them have a steady, contemporary groove (subtle and funky, but not toooo much), while others are mellow, with the nuances and inflections of Kirk's trademark tone to make these Christmas songs special. His tone is so very heart felt, you can hear him singing thru it. This CD is a keeper that will be played throughout the years here. If you are a Whalum fan, it is a must buy ! If you are a jazz fan, or someone looking for a good holiday CD, get it as well. Much more flare, flavor, and character that the emotionless Kenny G holiday discs."

Deeply emotional playing

cyclista | the Midwest | 11/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're not familiar with Kirk Whalum, he is a saxophonist with a contemporary jazz style. He plays tenor and soprano saxophone. A pastor's kid from Tennessee, Kirk was discovered by jazz pianist Bob James in 1983. Kirk's own spirituality contributes to the deeply emotional playing of this traditional religious Christmas music. However, there is nothing traditional about the way he plays these mostly instrumental carols."The Little (Ghetto) Drummer Boy" is wonderfully performed with jazz vocals. Blott en Dag is a beautiful Swedish hymn sung by Cyndee Peters. I was delighted to find this CD. I recommend this to anyone looking for contemporary jazz Christmas music, and especially to any Kirk Whalum fan."