Review

Kirk Whalum: Romance Language (Rendevous Music)

Grammy-winning tenor sax player Kirk Whalum keeps it in the family on this latest offering, by hiring his brother Kevin to sing lead vocals. The project, an ambitious one; a song-for-song remake of the classic 1963 collaboration between John Coltrane and singer Johnny Hartman.

Kirk follows in giant footsteps of the mighty ‘Trane from almost 50 years ago. The Whalums give us the six standards originally covered by Coltrane and Hartman in 1963, plus four more contemporary ballads on this interesting and classy album.

It is an unashamedly loved up collection of romantic themed songs, which makes history when in addition to the traditional CD and digital version, an extended and enhanced digital version is available as the world’s first complete “LiveAudio” optimised album for JAMBOX by JAWBONE, major players in personal mobile technology devices.
“LiveAudio” allows music to be enjoyed in a 3-D like, surround-sound way from a single, small Bluetooth wireless speaker. This one of a kind version of Romance Language is only available from www.kirkwhalum.com (for all you tecchies out there.)

The brothers clearly had great respect for the original versions, and approached this project with admiration and veneration. 12-times Grammy nominated Kirk and co-producer John Stoddart, crafted fresh arrangements to bring the time-tested songs bang up to date with a flavour of R&B and smooth jazz.

The CD – Kirk’s 19th solo album - opens with Irving Berlin’s “They Say Its Wonderful,” then slips easily into Sammy Cahn’s “Dedicated To You.” They give us “My One And Only Love,” Billy Strayhorn’s, “Lush Life,” and Richard Rodgers’ “You Are Too Beautiful.” Completing the Coltrane originals from the ’63 record is “Autumn Serenade.”

The more modern stuff begins with a lovely version of Brandy’s “Almost Doesn’t Count,” from the late 90s, this version featuring another Whalum family member; Hugh “Peanuts” Whalum, the brothers’ uncle. An octogenarian who was a contemporary of Hartman’s. He takes the lead vocal duties on this song, and makes it his own. Eric Benet’s “Spend My Time With You,” is a soul infused, gospel/jazz tinged highlight.

He uses his touring band here to great effect, because the chemistry of a unit is there for all to hear. They provide the foundation for him and Kevin to build upon with ease. Perhaps confirmation of this, is the fact that there were virtually no overdubs on this album. They know each other and the material so well, it’s not just another session. We can hear that.
Words SIMON REDLEY