In a world where volumes of new music hits the streets daily, sometimes it becomes quite the challenge for an artistto standout among the rest. This, however, is not a problem for Kenneth Whalum III. His debut release, To Those Who Believe, has all the makings of a great jazz record, and is sure to become a staple in any collection.
Here’s what Kenneth shared with me about his background and his music:
HWIH: What’s your earliest memory with your sax.
KWIII: My earliest memory is from 6th grade band class. We picked instruments and initially I chose the drums, but my uncle made me pick the saxophone. Looking back, I have no regrets.
HWIH: In three words, describe yourself.
KWIII: I would describe myself as strong,hard-working and humble.
HWIH: Choose three more words to describe your music.
KWIII: My music is best described as deep, passionate and seeking.
HWIH: What was it like working with your father on the opening track, “If We Try?”
KWIII: My father is a pastor back home, and each month I get a care package from his church, which is full of sermons that he’s preached. For the record, “If We Try,” I selected excerpts from those sermons that meant the most to me and had
a deejay scratch his vocals into the song. I chose the ones that I felt would make the biggest impact on the
record. It was a thoughtful process for me.
HWIH: What was the creative process like for assembling the material for thisproject?
KWIII: It took me a while to develop to the concept, but once we got in the studio it just flowed. I had lots of ideas and
several of the songs written. I didn’t have to explain to the band what I wanted the music to evoke. They already
knew.
HWIH: Speaking of the band, who’s playing with you on this record?
KWIII: I had the opportunity to put together my idea of a dream band: Robert Glasper, Chris Dave and Derrick
Hodge. We’ve all been playing for Maxwell and have grown pretty close.
HWIH: Where the album title comes from.
KWIII: I spent a lot of time thinking about current events and things that are going on. Popular music is not really geared towards any substance so I wanted to be very clear in what this was and what the album was trying to do/accomplish. When you put a stamp on a project like “To Those Who Believe,” it’s very clear to those that are looking for a certain type of
inspiration and who the message of the album is geared towards
HWIH: Who is your music created for?
KWIII: I create music for those that have an interest in hearing something new or want to expose themselves to something different. I just make music from the heart and I put everything I have into it. For some people that bought the album, I may be the only jazz album on their iPod and I like that. I’d rather be that one versus being one of 50 jazz artists in their collection.
HWIH: Why should folks check out your project?
KWIII: If you’re looking for something that you can listen to at any time to encourage you and put you in the frame of mind to succeed, I think this record is the perfect thing for you. I think the listeners will feel the thought that was put into it. Anyone that appreciates real music will love the record.
Until Next Time…Pick Up Kenneth Whalum III’s cd,
-TL
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