Search - Kirk Whalum :: Everything is Everything: The Music of Donny Hathaway

Donny Hathaway would have been 65 years old on October 1,2010. Although the passing of this visionary and multi-talented artist left a significant void, his pervasive influence leaves an indelible mark on popular music. Donny's genius as a vocalist, pianist, composer and arranger was evident in his ability to combine his unparalleled musical gifts with a deep spirituality that permeated all of his endeavors.

There could be no better standard bearer for Hathaway's work than tenor saxophon'ist Kirk whalum, whose work has similarly crossed the boundaries between R&B, gospel and jazz with an emotional immediacy that is beyond compare. Everything is Everything consummates the chart-topping For You and The Babyface Songbook to create a trilogy that brilliantly exhibit Kirk's singular interpretive skills, and further advances the career of this 8-time Grammy nominee.

Highlights include "You Had To Know," featuring a headelt perfomance by Donny's daughter, Lalah, and neo-soul crooner Musiq Soulchild's retro take on "We're Still Friends." Wonderful arrangements by Gil Goldstein and John Stoddart, with contributions from contemporary jazz masters Rick Braun, Jeff Golub and Christian McBride, as well as pedal steel scorcher Robert Randolph, come together with Whalum's passionate tenor to tell the musical story of one of the most important figures in polular music.