Last night the reigning 'king' of Gospel Jazz saxophone, Mr. Kirk Whalum was in DC to promote his latest release, The Gospel According to Jazz, Part III. They played the DVD on big screen, Kirk played several a'capella selections on tenor and soprano, and took a few questions. I missed him when he recorded the project at Reid Temple. He was also at my home church, Metropolitan Baptist a while back, but I was in New York that weekend.
Kirk and I have much in common: he shared how he has wrestled with the call on his life, and that it wasn't a traditional calling. Real familiar. He also shared his love for the Word, John Coltrane, and the fact that Gospel Jazz may reach people that more traditional forms of church music can't. Even our affiliation with John Stoddart, who played and produced on my first project.
I was struck by the heartfelt simplicity of his words, and the warmth and expressiveness in his playing. Also in attendance were several other Gospel Jazz saxophonists, including my friend Merlon Devine. We agree that we as Gospel Jazz artists and supporters must come together to advance this music, to the glory of the Most High, and to show the industry that there can be more than one or two Gospel Jazz artists getting airplay and pub at one time! Kirk has definitely inspired me to keep pressing on, despite financial challenges, personal issues, and all of the other stumbling blocks the Enemy puts in our path.
I'm looking forward to my engagement at Gospel Rescue Ministries tonight. I was there several weeks ago and they've invited me back. What a blessing! I'm excited about forging a solid relationship with this powerful ministry, and getting some things done!
