"Humanity" by Kirk Whalum Chosen by IMC's Yinka Oyelese

Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum is a very gifted musician. But beyond that, he is a truly exceptional human being, who has an unparalleled love for our planet, for his fellowman, and for God. His love shines through in everything he does. And his love for music, God and his fellowman are very clearly evident on his new album, Humanité. Whalum is a tireless advocate and campaigner for social justice, and the choice of songs on this album reflect his passion for world harmony and justice for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, wealth (or lack thereof). His collaborations on this album represent a cross section of mankind coming together to produce inspiring uplifting messages. While the album covers several genres, the unifying forces are Whalum’s beautiful saxophone, and the consistent messages that cry for justice, equality, peace, and love.

According to Whalum, the album was influenced by Martin Luther King, Jr., and Whalum’s own childhood experiences in his native Memphis, where King was assassinated a few blocks from Whalum’s home. Needless to say, that singular event had a cataclysmic impact on the 9-year old Whalum.

Humanité is a different kind of album, one that is genre defying. It is a tour de force of world music, and reflects the different voices of mankind. The album features an esoteric list of guest musicians from all over the world including Keiko Matsui, Brendan Reilly, Robyn Troop, Mi Casa, Afgan, Liane Carroll, Andrea Lisa, Zahara, Asa, and Keiko Matsui.

Produced by Kirk and his longtime friend and producer, the British jazz trumpeter and session musician, James McMillan, the album was recorded in several locations on different continents: Hastings, England; Memphis, Tennessee; Jakarta, Indonesia; Johannesburg, South Africa; Nairobi, Kenya; Tokyo, Japan; and Nairobi, Kenya.

My very favorite is “Now I know” features one of South Africa’s biggest stars, singer Zahara who sings in her native Xhosa. “Korogocho”, on which Whalum plays soprano sax, features 2 great bassists: Marcus Miller and the young Indonesian bass phenomenon Barry Likumahuwa. Other stand-outs are “Peace” featuring “Wildflower” featuring Liane Carroll and the reggae-flavored “We Shall Overcome You” featuring the Nigeria-French singer Asa. The powerful lyrics state “We shall overcome you…we shall not become you.” Timely. Each song is a gem.

This is the music of our world, of humankind, telling of the deepest yearnings of us all – the cry for freedom, justice, and love. In a world in which division, hatred, bigotry, and injustice seem so pervasive, the themes that we are all brothers and sisters, and should love one another, could not have come at a more appropriate time.

This album spoke to my heart, and I hope it will speak to yours.

Yinka Oyelese
IMC Correspondent
New Jersey USA