Customer Reviews

The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter III

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you are unaware to this musical series, Kirk Whalum, the host, has led 3 recordings projects under the banner Gospel According to Jazz. The first wasn't released to DVD. The 2nd installment was recorded in LA several years ago and released in 2002. This is the DVD sequel and 3rd installment. For me there are many highlights...special guests include George Duke (involved in all 3 Gospel projects), Layla Hathaway (vocalist), Doc Powell (extraordinary guitarist) and several of Kirk's relatives including his Uncle Hugh Whalum "Peanuts" (sax & vocals), his nephew, Kenneth Whalum III (sax) and Kirk's brother, Kevin Whalum (vocalist and involved in all 3 projects) and several others.

The DVD has many qualities which differ from the first DVD (GAJ2). In between segments from the live recording are snippets of commentary by Kirk offering his insights and objectives of his chosen musical format. Without running down each track and its highlights, know that you can find uptempo tunes, contemporary/traditional tunes, pop inspired tunes and above all "jazz" tunes. At last check, you can see the video commercial at [...] (check the video link).

Kirk Whalum has really captured the essence of a creative musician with a godly heart! I am moved by a man that deeply loves the Lord and can see God in everything! The more we follow after God, the more we see his handiwork. I have all three of Kirk's Gospel According to Jazz series and I am very impressed in the depth the this DVD shows. Kirk exposes his love for God and his people starting with the prayer at beginning, through his narrative of gospel music and how the common thread of music itself belong to God, and the inclusion of others that have a mind to uplift the name of the Lord. Along with one of the masters of the keyboard, George Duke, Lalah Hathaway, and Whalum klan (lol), and others, you cannot but have a spiritual experience as these men of God display a transparency that make you feel and touch the Master of All! Thank you Lord and thank you Kirk for allowing God to use you in this wonderful way. I highly recommend this DVD for anyone that understands the no matter what the genre, God can be displayed because of the vessel.

Another well done arrangement by Kirk Whalum. A long awaited rendition I and II were fabulous and III has held up to the quality. Whalum's musical talents and his spiritual foundation continues to shine through with these renditions. He continues to please with his talented family and other incredible musicians participating on these ventures. No need to ponder over this or his other two "The Gospel According to Jazz," productions. No disappointments here.

Great music video, but you better be ready for the real, you can feel and see the Spirit move on this one.

I think that if it's possible all of the series should be combined to be a collectable gift set because you can't just get one of them.
Outstanding and inspirational

It was hard to top Part II. So why try? Instead, Part III takes a listener in a different direction, with a very personal touch and a window into the artist's legacy and extended musical family.

This sequel manages to be both invigorating and relaxing.

Kirk Whalum has been at his game for a long time now; and the latest Whalum issue in the series "Gospel According to Jazz" is certainly further confirmation of his mastery of his art. The opening track "Call to Worship" sets the tone to what turns out to be a well-planned, and engaging album delivered with verve and passion. I would rate this amongst Whalum's absolute best - and there are a few of these. The fact that he was able to attract a high calibre supporting band is on its own a really mean feat.You don't get to play with George Duke, Doc Powell, etc unless you are a gifted cat yourself. A special highlight for me is Lalah Hathaway and Kevin Whalum's delivery of the hauntingly beautiful "Make Me A Believer" which is just soooh YUM! As if this was not enough; Hathaway comes back singing solo on "He's Been Just That Good" and "It's What I Do". Warning: watch out for Kevin Whalum; the blessing of the Lord is on this most gifted performer; I see a bright star over this man!!

Arthur A. Madonsela >> South Africa

Yes with "III",Kirk, again has shown that the Holy Spirit is uncontainable and very fluid. Smooth jazz & r&b favorites are woven into heavenly blessings as we reflect on familiar music and our past and we know it was only by the grace of God we've come this far. Hallalujah and thank you Mr. Whalums: Kirk, Kevin, Kyle, Kenneth & Peanut.

This is definitely one of the best CD's ever. Kirk Whalum always picks some of the best jazz musicians to perform on stage. These musicians feed off of each others musical spirit and that makes the music flawless.