MUSIC

Miller Outdoor Theatre presents Kirk Whalum (featuring Kevin Whalum with special guest Nicole Henry). Houston native saxophonist and songwriter Kirk Whalum brings his unmistakable Grammy-winning sound to Miller with his Romance Language Tour.

Soulful, passionate, stirring...these are the words often used to describe Kirk Whalum’s music. Great jazz composers as well as classic soul music influence his big, rich tenor saxophone sound, forged from his Memphis gospel roots. Concert audiences can expect an exciting journey through jazz, pop, soul, gospel and beautiful love songs! The Kirk Whalum Romance Language Tour celebrates the Valentine’s Day 2012 release of the new Whalum brothers’ collaboration, Romance Language. A perfect evening of romance and joy Kirk says, “These performances will be sure to please.”

In a career spanning decades, Kirk has a sound that is uniquely his. It is a sound that leaves an indelible imprint on the listener. A 2011 Grammy-Award winner, Kirk Whalum is the recipient of numerous awards and acknowledgements for his musical excellence including three Dove Award nominations, and NAACP Image Award

Kirk is known for his award-winning collaborations with artists such as Bob James, Barbara Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Quincy Jones and most notably, Whitney Houston. (That is Kirk Whalum’s sax heard on the mega-hit, “I Will Always Love You.”) His repertoire includes his own renditions of hits by Babyface, Donny Hathaway, Stevie wonder and more.

An ordained minister, Kirk has earned his Masters of Art in Religion. It is in this spirit that he serves his community, frequently performing at nursing homes, schools and missions. There is also his daily fifteen-minute podcast, Bible in Your Ear (BIYE), in which he invites you to listen along as he reads through the Bible in a year. In addition to music and ministry, Kirk has a passion to educate young, aspiring musicians and as such, he currently serves as President/CEO of the STAX Music Academy and the STAX Museum of American Soul Music in his hometown of Memphis, TN. Kirk is the recipient of numerous awards and acknowledgements for his musical excellence including three Dove Award nominations, an NAACP Image Award nomination and has won two Stellar Awards-Gospel music’s highest honor. An eleven time Grammy nominee, Kirk 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.

His latest release (on Mack Ave. Records) is perhaps his most ambitious to date. On Romance Language Kirk pays homage to the much revered 1963 ballads album, John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman. Kirk's release features the brilliant and lush vocals of his brother Kevin. As the original recording is only six songs, Kirk rounds out this album with his romantic interpretations of some modern day ballads such as Brandy's "Almost Doesn't Count," which features the dulcet voice of his 83 year old uncle, Peanuts Whalum.

In a career spanning decades, Kirk has a sound that is uniquely his; it is a sound that leaves an indelible imprint on the listener.