On August 28, 2007, Whalum will deliver his eighteenth album to date. Taking a unique look at the past with an eye toward the future, his new album, Roundtrip, is a progressive retrospective that includes re-imaginings of some of his biggest radio hits (including the first single, a modern re-working of 1987's “The Wave"), unreleased compositions from Kirk's early days in Houston, and new songs that hint at the future crossover of contemporary jazz into spoken word, hip-hop and rap music.
To help him bring this concept to life, Kirk called in three producers, all distinguished musicians with albums of their own, to share in this journey. Philippe Saisse, who produced Kirk's Cache and Colors CDs, and whose credits include Chaka Khan; Rex Rideout, who produced Kirk's #1 hit “Give Me the Reason" and whose credits include Luther Vandross; and James McMillan, producer for American Idol's Kelly Clarkson and Ruben Studdard.
The album also features guest vocalists Shanice and Kim Fields, guitarists Earl Klugh and Jeff Golub, and saxophonist Gerald Albright. Roundtrip is also a family affair. Brother Kevin Whalum (vocals), uncle Hugh “Peanuts" Whalum (vocals), son Kyle Whalum (bass), nephew Kenneth Whalum III (sax) and cousin Caleb Tha Bridge (rap) also make special appearances.
Currently headlining the all-star “Guitars and Saxes" tour alongside Gerald Albright, Tim Bowman, and his frequent collaborator Jeff Golub, Whalum will also continue to tour throughout the year for Roundtrip. In January, he will set sail on The Smooth Jazz Cruise Hosted By Wayman Tisdale.
For more information contact Inque Public Relations.
