Search - Kirk Whalum :: Millenium Promise Jazz Project

Soul Stirring Music

Gloria J. Lull | gulfport, ms | 10/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As usual, the music with kirk whalum is extraordinary. I brought one for a friend. Can't stop listing to the CD. Love it!!!"

`Promises Made,' Promises Kept

Redbone | New Orleans, LA USA | 04/03/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Saxophonist Kirk Whalum of Memphis and noted pianist and composer Takana Miyamoto of Atlanta teamed up with an impressive group of musicians to create "Promises Made," a very rewarding recording of `60s and `70s standards that not only pleases the soul, but helps raise sorely needed dollars to combat extreme poverty, hunger and disease.



Performing under the pseudonym The Millennium Promise Jazz Project, Whalum et al produced a first-rate album that avoids the hazards of many jazz tribute albums, most of which come off as fodder for elevators and doctors offices. To be sure the arrangements on "Promises Made" are for the most part destined to serve as background music at dinner parties, wine tastings and the like, but unlike Muzak, the smooth jazz here brims with originality and soul.



The standout tracks on "Promises Made" are: a cover of John Lennon/Paul McCartney's "A Day in the Life" and "Elanor Rigby"; Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come"; and "War," made famous by Edwin Starr.



The two Lennon/McCartney tunes were arranged by Miyamoto and are simply beautiful. On both tracks the approach was to keep it simple with minimum instruments and the results are stunning. Her work on "War" is equally good, though hardly sublime material. Whalum also did an outstanding job arranging "A Change is Gonna Come," one of the sexiest tunes on the album.



There are other great covers including "Stand By Me," "I Wish I Knew How to be Free," "People Get Ready," "I'll Take You There," and "What's Going On."



Proceeds from this album are being channeled to Africans in need of essential survival tools. To find out more about the Millennium Promise and to find out more how you can help the cause to end poverty, hunger and disease in Africa, please [...]

"