In this me age, it is always so refreshing to see people, especially people blessed with the gifts bestowed upon the likes of eight-time Grammy-nominated saxman Kirk Whalum, humbly giving thanks for those gifts.  Here, in his third installment of his Gospel According to Jazz series, the sax wiz inspires and uplifts with a splendid blend of live spiritual and contemporary jazz offerings in the way that only he can.

Whalum began this celebration back in 1998 when he released the first in the series in a live setting.  The marvelous merging of the genres in this manner proved to not just be the launching pad for more to follow but also served as undeniable living proof of the dedication and genius of this man who has never missed an opportunity to point his sax heavenward and proclaim his love and gratitude without pause.

The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter III, a 2-CD set with a stirring DVD, is so alive with newness, freshness, diversity, and spirit that, if you were not among the capacity crowd of 3000+ at this riveting event on October 13, 2007, you’re brought there with this sterling production.  Of course, nothing beats actually being at a Kirk Whalum performance.

This album is a salad of hip hop, contemporary jazz, spiritual, pop, and R&B. If you think you can imagine this sound, until you hear it, you can’t. You really need to experience this, to absorb it in its entirety.  With a star-studded supporting cast including the lovely and talented vocalist Lalah Hathaway, producer/artist George Duke, percussionist Lenny Castro, keyboardist/vocalist John Stoddart, guitarist Doc Powell, and vocalist/brother Kevin, Whalum sets a mean table and invites each and every one of us to come sit and partake of the luscious fruits of his labor, although I doubt that he sees this as labor at all.  In addition to the members already noted, this is really a family affair, spanning three generations of Whalums, with nephew Kenneth Whalum III (sax), son Kyle Whalum (bass), nephew Kortland Whalum (vocals), cousin Caleb Tha Bridge (hip hop artist), and uncle Hugh “Peanuts” Whalum (vocals and piano), all contributing their respective talents in ways that assure you they're enjoying themselves immensely.

This is Kirk Whalum to the bone. From the crispness of his tenor sax to the bright light of his character, you are always treated to the best this artist has to offer and then some. Chapter III simply bears further witness to this. The album mesmerized its audience at the Reid Temple AME church in my backyard of Glenn Dale, MD (I, unfortunately, was not in attendance, however. Yes, I know, I know!). There are stirring tunes like "Because You Love Me" with George Duke, "Make Me a Believer” with Lalah Hathaway and brother Kevin Whalum on vocals, “He’s Been Just That Good” with Lalah, a lively R&B/hip hoppin’ “Africa Jesus Africa” with Caleb Tha Bridge (intense!), the embracing beauty of the rendition of the Stylistics’ “You Are Everything,” (both at track 2, disc 2, and as the finale with guest Bishop T.D. Jakes), “Smile Medley” with amazing Uncle “Peanuts,”  and  “Running Away” with Kevin (a tune that’s moving and running like crazy and just sweating with groove).

This is not just another “take-me-to-church-and-let-me-testify offering (although that works, too!), it’s a beautiful collage painted by Whalum for the world to view and at which to marvel as his profound gift to God in thanks.  Amazing in continuity, humble in presentation, and dazzling in performance.  Doesn’t that sound a lot like the Kirk Whalum we’ve known for years, anyway? --  Ronald Jackson