Kirk Whalum - Into My Soul (2003)

08 Sep, 11:30
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Artist: Kirk Whalum
Title: Into My Soul (2003)
Year Of Release: 2003
Label: Warner Bros[9362-48446-2]
Genre: Jazz, Smooth Jazz
Quality: FLAC (image + .cue,log,scans)
Total Time: 53:59
Total Size: 373 MB(+3%)
WebSite: Album Preview

Tracklist

01 - Do You Feel Me
02 - In to My Soul
03 - Hold On I'm Coming
04 - Another Beautiful Day
05 - Hoddamile
06 - I Loved You In Memphis
07 - That's Alright
08 - Memphis Reason
09 - Club Paradise
10 - You Had me At Hello
11 - Me, Me And You

Despite featuring an organic mix of straightforward R&B, Into My Soul still finds alto saxophonist Kirk Whalum only threatening to make a smooth jazz masterpiece. On what is ostensibly his Memphis album, Whalum -- a Memphis native -- does evince a Stax-style soulfulness; unfortunately, he keeps the arrangements and his own playing so mild and light that nothing really ever sticks with you. Given that the album largely showcases a more natural, acoustic production style, it is disappointing that such tracks as the cover of the Isaac Hayes nugget "Hold On! I'm Comin'" are marred by predictably cheesy synthesizer backgrounds and unnecessary drum machine programming. Instead you only get a few standouts, including the title track, a funky midtempo ballad that recalls the simple elegance of Grover Washington, Jr. Similarly, the funky "Hoddamile (Hot or Mild)" gets by nicely with a catchy melody and guest spots by trumpeter Rick Braun and guitarist Norman Brown. If only the whole album were as good as the raw and soulful "That's All Right" -- featuring vocals by Kevin Whalum -- which turns the Arthur Crudup-penned Elvis classic into a raw Tony! Toni! Toné!-meets-Sam Cooke rave-up, Into My Soul might have been more than just pleasant.~Matt Collar

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