via:eurweb.com
Eight-time Grammy nominated jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum recently released the long-awaited third installment in his popular genre-bridging gospel jazz series.
The Gospel According To Jazz: Chapter III (GATJ3), available in stores and digital retailers, features both a two-disc CD and a special hi-definition DVD. The lead single is the gospel inspired “He’s Been Just That Good,” featuring vocalist Lalah Hathaway.
The long-awaited Chapter III in the gospel/jazz series was recorded live at the Reid Temple AME church in Glenn Dale, MD and is a joyous concert of praise and worship, where Whalum takes listeners on a journey from spirituals and through New Orleans jazz and modern jazz, R&B, hip-hop, reggae, blues, and gospel. “It’s kind of a mini journey through the evolution of jazz to an extent,” says Kirk Whalum. “It documents the fact that gospel is not a recent collaborator with jazz. They started out together.”
GATJ3 was created through an extraordinary lineup of musical artists; producer and keyboardist George Duke, vocalist Lalah Hathaway, guitarist Doc Powell, vocalist Kevin Whalum, keyboardist/vocalist John Stoddart, percussionist Lenny Castro, and others. Additionally, the CD includes a bonus track version of “You Are Everything” featuring Bishop T.D. Jakes and his wife Serita Jakes. A true family affair, the CD includes his brother Kevin and also features his uncle, singer and saxophonist Hugh “Peanuts” Whalum; his nephew, saxophonist Kenneth Whalum III; his son, bassist Kyle Whalum; his nephew, vocalist Kortland Whalum; and his cousin, hip-hop artist Caleb Tha Bridge.
GATJ is the brainchild of Whalum, whose dedication to his musical craft and his Christian beliefs came together to launch the live concert celebrations. The first GATJ was released in 1998. The second Chapter which was released in 2002 received a gospel Stellar Award for Instrumental CD of the Year and a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album.
This unique concept brings jazz, gospel and R&B fans together with those who are dedicated to Christ, and meets the listeners where they are spiritually. Including a hi-def DVD shot by noted filmmaker– the listener and the DVD viewer can truly witness the profound connections made between the audience and the musicians, between the musicians themselves, and between all present and the Holy Spirit.
Even more exciting news is that fans will help spread both the music and the inspirational message of GATJ3 to friends and family, while also earning the opportunity to download half of the music from GATJ3 for free via the Kirk Whalum. Share12™ campaign. This is a social networking program that consists of a brand-new native Facebook application at www.facebook.com/KirkWhalum where fans can send 12 people instant messages about the new GATJ3 project. When those twelve individuals respond, the original sender will then be able to download half of the music from the project, absolutely free! Now the 12 other people in that circle can also begin sharing the message of GATJ3 with their friends, truly making this an interactive initiative.
Jazz music has always innovated and been improvised between musicians, the new Kirk Whalum. Share12™ campaign is a distinct way to use social media to build a community among fans. This remarkable interactive campaign is the brainchild of Fairwave Media and Kirk Whalum who is an avid fan and user of social media.
