Romance Language
Kirk Whalum
***
Sometimes, when words get in the way…
… Kirk blows his horn. There is no denying that Kirk Whalum is one of the living gods of jazz. Romance Language cements that title for all those who may doubt him and his abilities. As usual with the saxophonist, you will get some popular songs like Joe Thomas’s I Wanna Know and Heather Headley’s I Wish I Wasn’t.
The album is a mellow collection of sweet saxophone jams that are meant to be heard nowhere else but in the bedroom. On some songs, like They Say It’s Wonderful and Lush Life, Whalum gives us a taste of his sweet baritone over a lazy piano. This sets you up for a scene somewhere in an expensive restaurant enjoying a glass of whatever is your poison. You want to rush brushstrokes on a canvas carelessly and not care what picture you come up with.
Essentially this is adult music that will be relevant a long time from now. – Munyaradzi Vomo