Rolling out recently spoke with Grammy Award-winning jazz saxophonist and songwriter Kirk Whalum about his latest project, The Gospel According to Jazz (IV), his work with the STAX Museum and his love of music.
Was there a particular moment when you knew you wanted to seriously pursue music? Who were your musical influences?
I always say that the doctor spanked my heinie and told my mom, “Congratulations, you have a baby musician!” I don’t think there was ever a breathing moment when I wasn’t a musician. I think music chooses you as opposed to the other way around, at least at this level of devotion and “calling.” I’ll say that my primary influences, before all the sax players and singers who came later, were my family members; especially my uncle Wendell Whalum who was Dean of Music at Morehouse College.
Do you think that there are any widely held misconceptions about music and/or musicians? If so, what are they and how do you work to dispel them?
I’m pretty sure that the average person doesn’t consider music a high calling: it is. I don’t think most people know that music is a highly skilled profession: it is. Most don’t know much about the many hours of solitude most musicians spend, sometimes in small practice rooms, broom closets — I literally practiced in broom closets in big arenas when I toured with Whitney –– so as not to disturb her and the others.
Tell us about your work with young musicians and the STAX Museum of American Soul Music. In addition to mastering their art, what other skill sets do you recommend that musicians develop if they want to be successful?
We always say that we’re nurturing the next generation of “Soul Communicators.” We feel that each person has something of value to contribute to the Beloved Community. The sooner a child recognizes more or less what “lane” they are to run in, the better quality will be their contribution. The incredible staff there, under the very gifted Justin Merrick, tries to expose the kids to as many genres of music possible, as well as inspiring them to take initiative for their own development. They are being groomed to be productive and empathetic citizens, while pursuing their passion for music. Undoubtedly we’ll also produce some world class musicians — and a few “stars.”
What role does music have in the community? What role would you like to see music play in the community?
I believe that music is the most significant way that we tell our story. The arts, including culinary arts, are the heartbeat of any civilization or culture. But music is especially important because it fills the airwaves with God’s beauty and grandeur, and provides the soundtrack for life.
What’s the best thing about being a musician? What’s the worst thing about being a musician?
The best thing about being a musician is getting to play music! It sounds redundant, but there’s no greater joy than to be able to do what one loves every day and for that to pay (at least most of) the bills! Relatively few people are blessed to do this. I am grateful. I would say that one of the negative sides –– though I am used to it and have learned to love it –– is the time spent alone, either practicing or writing.
In your 25 plus years of making music, what has been your most memorable moment; what is a moment that you would like to see happen in the near future?
I’ve been blessed with so many incredible memories in my career of 36 years of performing. I think the most wonderful, which I am doubly fortunate to have documented in a photograph (stop by our house in Memphis anytime to see it!), happened at the White House. After a concert with Whitney in the Rose Garden to honor the great Nelson Mandela, both he and president Clinton came up to me personally to shake my hand and congratulate me for our performance. I’ve written a song for Mr. Mandela on this latest Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter IV. It’s titled “Madiba.” This is his tribal name. There are elements of African rhythm and melody in it, and it reminds me of the smells — mostly amazing food — and sounds of South Africa.
What’s something fans would be surprised to know about you?
I’m a part-time barber! I am privileged to serve as a volunteer barber at a space of “God’s radical hospitality” called Manna House in Memphis. There we experience God’s amazing love, which unifies us with those who have been made poor, so that they too may be free to share their many and diverse gifts with the Beloved Community. It is only in giving that we are made truly human (an existence that is highly favored by our creator, and meant to be shared with equality and empathy). Allowing people the space to give things like a cheery smile, a bit of wisdom (many times gleaned from a life of pain and suffering), or a different perspective on one’s life… this is what it means to truly live in common-unity. Cutting hair gives me an actual, literal point of contact with many of God’s precious children. It could even be said that I’m “cutting the Lord’s hair.” Every person is created in the image of God. And Jesus once said, “If you’ve done it to the least of these, you’ve done it unto me.”
What role does technology play in your day-to-day life? How do you utilize it? What was the inspiration for daily podcast, Bible in Your Ear?
I’m pretty nerdy when it comes to tech. I love gadgets. I’m endeavoring, like most of us, to mitigate my obsession with these things (Apple surely made a pact with Satan)! Can’t wait for the iWatch! I love doing the podcast. It is a very simple way for me to serve. Lots of folks have busy schedules involving long commutes. Some folks are working on English as a second language. Many like to close their eyes and have their coffee/tea and be inspired by God’s Word, which though sometimes complex and conflicted, is ever-new and wonderful; a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
What does it take to be iconic? In your estimation, who has achieved that status?
Love this question! I think of Michelle Obama as an example of a person who is iconic. She daily navigates the nuances of this highly scrutinized space with grace and poise. She works it with such class, caring, and empathy. Wife, mother, advocate, activist, accomplished and lettered attorney … Michelle is one tough character! Much respect and love from a grateful American.
What’s next for Kirk Whalum?
I’m working on a “Whalum project” featuring: Son: Kyle Whalum –– country songwriter, singer, bassist (currently touring with Billy Currington); Nephew: Kameron Whalum –– trombone, touring with Bruno Mars; Nephew: Kortland Whalum –– vocalist working and living in NYC; Nephew: Kenneth Whalum, III –– saxophonist, solo artist, touring with Maxwell, Ludacris; Brother: Kevin Whalum –– vocalist and solo artist; Brother: Kenneth Whalum, II –– preacher, pastor, spoken word, vocalist. Also, I’m writing with my friends Norman Brown and Rick Braun for a new BWB project.
