Search - Kirk Whalum :: Unconditional

	Kirk Whalum Unconditional Genres: Jazz, Pop On Unconditional, Paul Brown, the hottest producer in smooth jazz, takes a crack at the distinctive Texas tenor saxophone of Kirk Whalum. If you overlook the connect-the-dots formula of the opening track, "Now 'Til Forever... more » « less
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CD Details

All Artists: Kirk Whalum
Title: Unconditional
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Warner Bros / Wea
Release Date: 8/28/2001
Album Type: Extra tracks, Original recording reissued
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Style: Smooth Jazz
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 093624817420, 093624817420

Synopsis

Amazon.com

On Unconditional, Paul Brown, the hottest producer in smooth jazz, takes a crack at the distinctive Texas tenor saxophone of Kirk Whalum. If you overlook the connect-the-dots formula of the opening track, "Now 'Til Forever," where Boney James or any of Brown's other buddies could be inserted, the producer does a good job of letting Whalum's bright style come through the slick production sheen he applies to the 10-song CD. It's Whalum's originals--like the title track, "Song for Evan," and the clever tribute "Groverworked and Underpaid"--that are typical of the sax man's ability to easily appeal to smooth-jazz audiences and devotees of urban pop. There are traces of hip-hop on the TLC-like "I Try" and "Real Love," the latter featuring a Whitney Houston-inspired Wendy Moten on vocals. This is no hard-blowing contemporary jazz session like past Whalum releases, but rather a satisfying tempered effort that focuses strongly on production values and overall vibe. --Mark Ruffin

CD Reviews

Whalum does it again!!!!!

lionknockout61 | INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA United States | 03/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"been a fan of whalums' for years, he always has had the ability to make his sax sing,.. senusal, soothing, deliberate yet powerful very much like a vocalist ...a good vocalist. On this new cd "unconditional', there are some new old and some new. What variety!!! Shadowing the great Glover Washington's Winelight sessions making the sax form words with quickness and ease, with the tune, " Grover worked and underpaid" is not a easy task but Whalum accomplishes this with the right touches. The sheer beauty of "a song for evan, is down right inspirational. "now til forever, is so so infectious, you'll hear this in your head days after. and much to my surprise, a vocalist that he featured on his last album,covering," all I do", a old Stevie Wonder tune. Miss Wendy moten is featured again on this album with a tune called "real love, I have Miss Moten first two solo albums and wondered what happened to such a great upcoming vocalist...you cant imagine how pleasing it is to hear she working with kirk...Cant wait til kirk tours with this album looking forward to the old and the new. Wendy would make a great opening act..... Buy this cd its worth every dollar!!!!"

Mellow(zzzzzz)

Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 05/01/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Kirk Whalum is a great session musician; as a solo artist he blends into the woodwork making up the world of pop jazz groups dominated by sax. Actually he is a cut above the rest but still that is not saying much. There is no daring , provocative challenge to the music; it is just safe. Maybe that is why some people refer to it as elevator music. However, his slow jams are nice for spending time with that special someone, if you happen to be so lucky. The music just goes through you, a sensual vibe that takes two to fully appreciate it. Cool tracks include the funky "Groverworked and Underpaid,"" Playing With Fire," that features some nice guitar work by by another pop jazz giant , Peter White, that gives the song added texture and the alto sax Whalum blows on "Waltz For David." The worst songs are those with vocals. Whalum has proven his potential but is confined by the pop jazz formula. This is recommended for those in love or falling in love, otherwise it is mundane."