Kirk Whalum Blog
Oklahoma Love
The Oklahoma City show was AWESOME! I try not to use overuse that word, but I really did enjoy it - and I got the impression that the band and (especially the audience) did too. If you happen to have been at that show, drop me a line!
The thing I loved most about tonight's show is that we were free. We played groove stuff, soulful stuff, spiritual things and even Joe Henderson's "Inner Urge." The audience once again proved by their response that people really do want to accompany you on a journey - not just to be spoon-fed the same old "smooth jazz" show. No offense to anyone's approach. The audience wants to know you're human! They want to be impressed, yes. But not so much by a "slick" presentation, but by your vulnerability and honesty in the music. Anybody feelin' me?
I'm so sad that I missed the show! I'm a 23 year old grad student who presently lives in OK. I don't have many friends/peers who truly appreciate jazz (perhaps I need to look harder), but I just might have to attend a show by myself one of these days. I'll find someone...I'll find a way! :o) You've received some fantastic feedback here- a testament to your gifting. Be blessed!
Posted by: Laura B. | August 31, 2008 at 01:28 AM
Kirk,
Thanks for a wonderful evening of expressions using the avenue of music,you are the best. I drove five hours that evening you performed in OKC @ rose state college, and enjoyed every moment. Your brother is awsome as well as the band. Keep on tracking!!! you made the price of gas worth worth buying that weekend for me.
Your fan
"Tank"
Posted by: Charles McDuffie | August 21, 2008 at 03:29 PM
I told you; from MySpace....I'd check your website out, CooL laid back appeal...Ummm; Can't wait to see you @ the "GEM Theater" @ Kansas City next month!!! Gotta find the right dress & pumps too....this will B a night to remember for this young woman; I hope!! Take care & may "GOD" continue to "BLESS" you....HuN ;)
Posted by: Ms.Kewanda R. | August 10, 2008 at 03:56 PM
Kirk,
I truly enjoyed you (wonderful) and your band (cold blooded) at the Oklahoma jazz explosion. My daugther (age 17) and I had a night to remember. Thanks for making our time together so special. It's not very often you can have a mother and teenager love the same music, but that's what your music does. Your brother was Baaadd to the bone. I can't wait for his new cd to come out! I hope you visit us here in Oklahoma city again!!!
God Bless you.
Posted by: Elsa | August 07, 2008 at 09:22 PM
Kirk,
Thanks for keeping it real and stretching the minds of your audiences to expect more than "slick" tracks. It makes it so much easier for artists like myself to just come out and play the music for the love of the music and not be contained by some preconceived perameters set by some music executive in some office whose passion is the bottom line and not the music. You and your approach on how you present your music (passion) continues to inspire and bless me.
God's continued blessings to you,
Stabe
Posted by: Stabe | August 07, 2008 at 01:36 AM
Hi Kirk!
Well, what a night to remember! My wife and I celebrated with my sister who married her brother,. . . figure that one, on their 20th wedding anniversary. I had the blessed opportunity to marry them those many years ago and thought what no better way than to have you be our personal birthday guest.
My wife, Ronda, and I flew from Lubbock, Tx. to SF during the week of Valentine 06 and were among the guests to see you at the Nikki.
OH MY!!!!! It was our real honeymoon celebration that we never got to have.
Thank you sssssooooo much for your tender spirit to the Lord; it shows and manifested in your music and presentation.
We love you!!!
Dave & Ronda
Posted by: Dave Menefee | August 06, 2008 at 09:42 PM
Kirk, You and your band were as real as it gets, and I have absolutely no doubt that the entire audience in OKC was "feeling you". The music, the performances, the cameraderie (between you guys on stage, but also between you and we in the audience), the stunning skills, the apparent ease with which you all created such amazing magic, it was all simply off the chart. What a night! THANK YOU for bringing such a gift to this, my adopted home. New Zealand is a long way away physically, but is always in my heart and soul. One of the significant advantages to living in North America, in my opinion, is the increased opportunity to appreciate truly world-class entertainment live. But I digress. I told you I would write to say thank you, and I have. I will be downloading your music in the days to come and will enjoy it for many years to come. thank you!
Posted by: Lisa Kibblewhite | August 05, 2008 at 11:16 PM
And I would like to send you an autographed photo for her if that's cool! Give me a name and address my friend. Blessings to you.
Posted by: Kirk whalumkirk | August 05, 2008 at 11:08 PM
Kirk,
Just a note to let you know that I did not copy the CDs for my mom. We went to the local music store and found several CDs in the used section to get her started with your music.
Posted by: Shawn Oglesby | August 05, 2008 at 08:51 PM
Hey Shawn.
I am a HUGE Kirk fan too and I'm glad you and your mom loved the show. I am with Kirk about the copying, tho. You can download legally from Itunes. Or, you could email me at joylhall1@yahoo.com and I'll send you whatever you want by Kirk.
Peace!
Posted by: Joy | August 03, 2008 at 09:12 PM
It was great seeing you! The OKC concert was fabulous! I loved the mixture of the music....my dad was a musician and he would have loved the scatting! Kevin is amazing! The keyboard player was off the hook! This was one of the best shows I have attended....You just keep getting better all the time! God continue to keep you safe and provide blessings!
Ree
Posted by: Ree | August 03, 2008 at 12:30 PM
wish I'd been there, but plan to catch your Detroit show. Eileen
Posted by: Eileen Bristol | August 02, 2008 at 09:48 PM
I've been around music & musicians most of my life. I remember attending a James Brown concert around the age of 8 or 9. What a fun "freeing" experience! Further still, my son plays the saxophone and drums. Being free to play music and not a format, is a deeply enjoyable experience for everybody. You do show you are human, aren't we all? Thanks for "keeping it real", Kirk! I do feel you!!
Posted by: Tammy | August 02, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Thanks Shawn. Funny, our driver last night was X-Marine Corp in the area of landing technology. I asked about the difference between radar and GPS when it comes to aircraft.
Posted by: Kirk whalumkirk | August 02, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Kirk,
I have no doubt that with every new release my mom will be picking up your CDs. As for me, I work for the FAA. So when you are flying around the world, I am in the tower watching all the planes.
Posted by: Shawn Oglesby | August 02, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Shawn,
Thanks so much for stopping by kw.com. How lovely of you to bring your mom to the show! I'm glad she enjoyed herself - I love my mom and love seeing her smile too!
Now... to the copying of my music! You're forgiven (though it is still illegal!) because it was your mom, and on the condition that your sweet mom is willing to come here to kirkwhalum.com or go to her local record store and give us some support -- us meaning my 3 kids and 1 grandson who depend on the old man sharing music with the world for a small price! Oh to be independently wealthy... What do you do for a living my friend?
Posted by: kirk | August 02, 2008 at 02:02 AM
I was at the show and it was fantastic. My mom was in town visiting and she became an instant fan. I hope you mind that I am up making her copies of all your CDs. She loved Do You Feel Me? Hope you come this way again.
Posted by: Shawn Oglesby | August 02, 2008 at 01:35 AM