Kirk Whalum (sat, 9/5/26) at Yoshi's Oakland

Forged from his Memphis gospel roots and his 1980‘s initiation into the thriving Houston nightclub scene, Kirk Whalum’s unique sound leaves an indelible imprint on each listener. And it was in Houston where jazz pianist Bob James “discovered” him. After moving to Los Angeles, Kirk became an in-demand session player for top artists such as Barbara Streisand, Luther Vandross, Quincy Jones, and most notably, Whitney Houston. It’s his sax heard on the mega-hit, I Will Always Love You. His chart-topping For You and his Gospel According to Jazz series featuring the great George Duke and Jonathan Butler, among others, in addition to his 30-plus solo projects, have rendered Whalum a singular artist. ...

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Forged from his Memphis gospel roots and his 1980‘s initiation into the thriving Houston nightclub scene, Kirk Whalum’s unique sound leaves an indelible imprint on each listener. And it was in Houston where jazz pianist Bob James “discovered” him. After moving to Los Angeles, Kirk became an in-demand session player for top artists such as Barbara Streisand, Luther Vandross, Quincy Jones, and most notably, Whitney Houston. It’s his sax heard on the mega-hit, I Will Always Love You. His chart-topping For You and his Gospel According to Jazz series featuring the great George Duke and Jonathan Butler, among others, in addition to his 30-plus solo projects, have rendered Whalum a singular artist. 
A twelve-time Grammy® Award nominee, Kirk won his first Grammy® Award (2011) for Best Gospel Song It’s What I Do (featuring Lalah Hathaway) alongside gifted songwriter, Jerry Peters. With a Brass Note on the Memphis Walk of Fame and a Star on the Nashville Walk of Fame, Tennessee has honored Whalum proudly.
His latest release, Epic Cool!, has been overwhelmingly received by fans and critics alike and has already garnered two #1 singles.  

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