Customer Reviews

Roundtrip (Dig)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I caught the XM review (#60) at "In A Whisper" and it was good just to hear what Kirk and Kim Fields did on the CD. When subsequent songs came on, I sat and listened. I'm only 40[YO] and the documented memories on "Back In The Day" made me smirk as it took me back. It was a pleasure hearing all those things I love [poetry, friends, family] compiled in this easy flowing CD. I just think it's great!

Kirk Whalum blew me away with this one!!!! There's nothing more that I can say, man. I like tracks 1,2,3,6,8, and 9. This guy did deserve the grammy he got for this one!!!

I am a Kirk Whalum fan and it is not secret. I can just put on his music and simply ride or work. My favorite song by far to me is In A Whisper with Kim Fields. So smooth, the words...the music, I have put this one song on repeat and listened to it for long periods of time. This cd has a very nice classic yet contemporary blend to it that has jazz fans of all ages yearning for more. This is the cd you can slow dance to, drive to, and just enjoy. Take the Roundtrip with Kirk and have fun, but don't get lost.

As one of the true superstars of Smooth Jazz, sax man Kirk Whalum has given us some of the most brilliant performances and albums in the history of this format. Beginning with his first appearance in 1984 on Bob James' 12 and his first solo release, "Floppy Disk" the following year, Mr. Whalum has set a high standard for Smooth Jazz, and ROUNDTRIP, his 16th title, is no exception. This one's unique in that it's both a retrospective of some of Kirk's most popular older material... redone and freshened for today... and a journey into innovative new concepts. Take, for example, the mixing of Smooth Jazz with spoken word, reminiscent of the beat era, featuring actress/poetess Kim Fields in an enticing performance on "In a Whisper." Then there's the melding of Smooth Jazz with hip hop on the track "Back in the Day," featuring some humorous rap from Kirk's young cousin, calling himself Caleb Tha Bridge. Then add Shanice's stunning vocal performance on "Inside." The first radio single from ROUNDTRIP is a totally updated, enlightened redo of "The Wave," a Smooth Jazz staple since it was released in 1988 on Kirk's AND YOU KNOW THAT. And you know you're dealing with a true musical icon when they can put an album out that features covers of their own hits. Kirk Whalum's ROUNDTRIP is powerful; full of nostalgia, but at the same time is energetically forward moving. Yes, the bar has been raised yet again. It's way up there now! ~SCOTT O'BRIEN

WoW!!! This album is so cool. If you're looking for something that pushes the smooth jazz envelope a bit-this is the CD for you. A bit of poetry, a bit of hip-hop and lots of that Whalum wailing!!!

Thru the years I've enjoyed Kirk Whalum's music,and when seeing this on Amazon, I wondered if maybe one or two wld be favorites-What a wonderful surprise to find that every one of the tracks is great!!

Oftenplay the entire CD a second time when listening!!

Kirk does it again!! An excellent remake of some of his older hits and a brand new sound which combines soulful jazz with new soul.

I have never not loved a Kirk Whalum song. Keep it up, Kirk! And may God continue to bless the "Jazz" inside so that it blesses us!

I am disappointed with the sound quality...! Poor audio..! Mr. Whalum missed it this time...

Victor Chavez

Saxophone Player

Kirk Whalum is bad! I have a very difficult time just sitting down and writing music reviews,so I end up not writing one when it's truly well deserved. I have quite a few of Kirk's recordings, and have never written a review even though I love every single one of the CD's! I didn't even know this one was out! Stumbled upon it by accident.I went in looking for Will Downing's new cd @ Circuit City. They didn't have it, I saw Kirk Whalum, and picked it up without hesitation. Why? Because Kirk is one heck of a sax player, who just gets better and better and better!!! Beautiful music from a beautiful brotha. As I write this review, I'm listening to "Ruby", which is Kirk's tribute to his beloved wife-Ruby. Any man that can remain married to his childhood sweetheart in this "cold-blooded" world, is alright in my book! Another favorite of mines is "Back in the Day". The entire CD is thumping, and my recommendation is that you go out and pick it up. Treat yourself to a beautiful, "Musical Roundtrip".