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Jazz Heritage Series Continues with Spectacular Saxophonist

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tyler Kuebler
  • The USAF Band
Joint Base Anacostia Bolling, D.C. --  The second installment of the 2011 Jazz Heritage Series thrilled a packed house, as the USAF Airmen of Note welcomed Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum to the stage on Nov. 4 at Lisner Auditorium on the campus of The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Throughout the years, Whalum has made a name working with artists such as Barbara Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Larry Carlton, Quincy Jones and most notably, Whitney Houston, among many others. It's his sax heard on the mega-hit, "I Will Always Love You." He soon followed that career high point with his phenomenal hit album "For You", perhaps the most successful of over 25 solo recordings to date. Other recordings include his eclectic "Gospel According to Jazz" series (Chapters 1, 2 and 3.)  Whalum is the recipient of numerous awards and acknowledgements for his musical excellence including three Dove Award nominations, an NAACP Image Award nomination and  two Stellar Awards--Gospel music's highest honor. An eleven-time Grammy nominee, he won his first Grammy award for Best Gospel Song ("It's What I Do" featuring Lalah Hathaway) alongside life-long friend and gifted writer Jerry Peters.

Whalum brought all of his considerable experience to bare during his inspiring performance with the Airmen of Note.  Throughout the evening, he took the audience on a breathtaking musical journey, from invoking the life and rhythm of an African village to the soaring voices of a gospel choir to the complex jazz language of John Coltrane.  Whether driving the full band out in front of the stage, or performing an intimate duet with his long-time pianist John Stoddart, Whalum consistently demonstrated the reason he is a favorite of discriminating music lovers worldwide. 

One of those music lovers in attendance was the host for the evening's festivites, Maj. Gen. Darren W. McDew, Commander, Air Force District of Washington.  General McDew admitted he is a life-long fan of Whalum and his music and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the artist on behalf of himself and the proud men and women serving in The United States Air Force.

In case you missed this special event, check our website for information about the broadcast in Spring 2012.

Please click here to download the 2011 Jazz Heritage Series flyer for information on the final Jazz Heritage Series concert on November 18 featuring trumpet legend Doc Severinsen- -we'll see you there!