Chris (Rizik) named Kevin Whalum’s "Timetable" debut album his ‘favorite album of 2003,’ and listening to the follow-up, One Life To Love, I can understand why! The brother of saxman Kirk Whalum offers an eminently soulful collection of mostly original material (co-writing seven of the album’s twelve cuts) that is truly inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable. It doesn’t hurt that the Nashville-based music man has amassed support from some stellar peeps like George Duke who produced four cuts, Rex Rideout who produced four cuts, musicians like John Stoddard, Paul Jackson Jr., Lenny Castro, singers like Kenya Hathaway, Mark Kibble, Fred White and Lynne Fiddmont (who duets with Kevin on the brilliant "Why?").
Picking key cuts was a tough task: track-for-track, Kevin offers a palatable, cohesive album that is a winner, start to finish. I opted for the bluesy "I’ll See You Around," the wonderful tribute to Frankie Beverly & co. and appropriately-titled "WonderMaze," the afore-mentioned "Why?" and a nice cover of the Motown chestnut, "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)." Definitely a great album if you like your music smooth and definitely soulful!
David Nathan
