Smooth jazz fans have the rare opportunity to catch one of the genre’s biggest stars live – on their computer, anyway – in a special Valentine’s Day special. Here’s the lowdown:
Instead of dealing with crowded, overpriced restaurants on Valentine’s Day, stay home, light a few candles and let Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum set the mood for romance with a live two-hour concert streaming at 11:30 PM ET/8:30 PM PT in conjunction with the release of his 29th album, “Romance Language.”
In partnership with Portland Prime, Hilton Portland & Executive Tower and BMW & MINI Portland, the February 14 webcast powered by StageIt and shared around the world via Whalum’s Facebook page will include a backstage camera offering viewers a rare glimpse behind the scenes. On February 18, there will be a rebroadcast of the Valentine’s Day concert at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT with a live question and answer session with Whalum.
The essence of “Romance Language” is Whalum’s reimaging of the classic album of duets recorded in 1963 by sax titan John Coltrane and sterling vocalist Johnny Hartman. Whalum’s contemporary version showcases his younger brother Kevin’s velvety voice. They recorded all six timeless standards that comprise the original collection utilizing fresh arrangements and live-sounding production by Whalum and John Stoddart, Whalum’s musical director and keyboardist. The Rendezvous Music release includes a few romantic R&B-pop instrumentals that Whalum believes to be modern standards along with a show-stealing vocal performance by Kirk and Kevin’s 83-year-old uncle, Hugh “Peanuts” Whalum.
The musicians scheduled to accompany Kirk, Kevin and special guest Hugh “Peanuts” Whalum on the Valentine’s Day webcast from the Hilton Portland and Executive Tower are Stoddart (keyboards), Marcus Finnie (drums), Braylon Lacy (bass) and Kevin Turner (guitar).
Tickets for Whalum’s Valentine's Day “Romance Language” live concert stream and the February 18 rebroadcast can be purchased for $3 from www.StageIt.com or www.Facebook.com/KirkWhalum.
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