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Kenneth Whalum III - TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE

Kenneth Whalum III – -][- TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE – [Kenneth Whalum III, 2010]

Fortunately to my surprise, while searching for new music I came across a relatively new voice in jazz tenor saxophonist Kenneth Whalum III. Which by the way, the gifted Whalum sounds frighteningly similar to the distinctive voice of his uncle Kirk Whalum. If you’re going to be influenced by someone, then Kirk Whalum would certainly be at the top of my list.

His debut, “TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE” is simply amazing as his father among many exceptional artist contributes to the cause to deliver a satisfying mix of soulful jazz soaked in even heavier dose of jazz on this project which will with each listen keep your attention.

We often assume when artist like Kenneth Whalum III comes on the scene he’s going to automatically duplicate the nuances, melodies and grooves we’ve heard before. Not completely so, in this case he doesn’t totally mimic his uncle after all he’s pursuing his own sound in order to establish his presence as one to reckon with now and in the future.

Kenneth is no stranger to performing live, he’s jammed with whose who in the R&B and hip-hop genres including music and fashion mogul Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, vocalists Mary J. Blige, Al Green, Ayo, and Regina Belle to name a few. Not bad company to keep for a newcomer, his debut “TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE” as I hear it is definitely a keeper and one to seriously consider to add to your collection.

At your leisure, please visit http://web.me.com/kennethwhalum/Site/Blog/Blog.html to get more information about this upcoming star. —Rob Young | The Urban Flux