Kirk Whalum - Romance Language

The versatile smooth jazz saxophonist and Grammy� winner Kirk Whalum alongside his brother, vocalist Kevin Whalum, remake the classic 1963 recording 'John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman', an unabashedly romantic collection of duets. 'Romance Language', consists of all six songs that comprise the Coltrane/Hartman recording, along with a handful of modern ballads to complete the disc.The Whalum brothers approached the half-dozen standards from the original recording with admiration and veneration. Kirk Whalum and pianist/producer John Stoddart crafted fresh arrangements that place the time-tested songs such as Irving Berlin's They Say It's Wonderful, Sammy Cahn's Dedicated To You, Billy Strayhorn's Lush Life and Richard Rodgers' You Are Too Beautiful in present day R&B-adult pop and jazz settings. The newer songs - including renderings of contemporary hits originally released by Brandy, Eric Benet, and Joe (Thomas) - maintain the mood, feel and ambience of the storied set. Throughout 'Romance Language', Kevin Whalum's suave, velvety voice is cool and in command while Kirk Whalum's sax solos and fills are inspired, warm and nuanced etchings.