Whalum's international career catapulted due to the encouragement of friend and mentor, legendary pianist Bob James. His much sought after style and passion has resulted in collaborations with Al Jarreau, Quincy Jones, and Barbra Streisand. Film scores likes Boyz n the Hood and Prince of Tides include his lush and insightful contributions. Whalum's passionate saxophone lights up the mega hit 'I Will Always Love You' sung by Whitney Houston from The Bodyguard soundtrack.
The 12-time GRAMMY nominated musician's impressive resume includes three Dove Award nominations, an NAACP Image Award nod, and two Stellar Awards (Gospel music's highest honor). His GRAMMY for Best Gospel Song Award came in 2011 with 'It's What I Do,' featuring Lalah Hathaway.
Gerald Albright is a 'musician's musician.' His staggering career has crossed over into jazz, R&B, and contemporary music. During the 80s he left his mark on recordings with Anita Baker, Olivia Newton-John, The Temptations, Whitney Houston, Quincy Jones, and many more. Along the way, he has sold over a million albums in the U.S. alone and has appeared on nearly 200 albums by other artists.
Albright's many GRAMMY nods include 'Kickin It Up' and 'Sax for Stax'. His next project, Slam Dunk includes his original compositions and a cover of former tour mate, Phil Collins, 'True Colors.'
Shel�a is constantly writing and singing. Her notable collaborations include Stevie Wonder, Carly Simon, Jimmy Jam, Take 6, and Arturo Sandoval. Her newest release, 'Love Fell On Me', features the much-talked-about single 'I'll Never Let You Go.'
Boney James is a leading proponent of the Slow Jazz movement, but his wide ranging talent can also bring a strong emotional surge, especially during his live concerts. The Boston Globe reported that "his music is muscular and gritty," and that he all but dares the crowd not to have a good time. His connection with his audience is visceral and vibrant as he takes them on a musical journey.
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, James took up the clarinet at age eight, switching to saxophone when he was ten. Growing up in New Rochelle, New York, he was influenced by Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind and Fire and saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr. At 14, James moved with his family to Los Angeles, where he received a degree in history from UCLA, and then began playing music full time after graduation. For seven years he toured as a sideman for a number of artists, including Morris Day, The Isley Brothers, Randy Crawford and Bobby Caldwell. In 1992 he released his debut album as a leader, "Trust."
In addition to his Grammy nominations, James is a Soul Train Award winner (Best Jazz Album), was honored with an NAACP Image Award nomination for Best Jazz Album, and has four RIAA Certified Gold Records. Nine of James' albums have reached Number 1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart and two have reached the top 10 on the R&B Albums Chart, a rare feat for an instrumental artist.
WHAT:
2014 Winter Concert Presented By Rainbow Promotions LLC.
Featuring: "Boney James" Also Performing: "Gospel According to Jazz," with Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright and Shel�a
WHEN:
8 p.m. Friday, November 21, 2014
WHERE:
The Terrace Theater, Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
TICKETS:
TicketMaster: 800-745-3000 / http://bit.ly/WINTERCONCERT
Terrace Theater Box Office: 562-436-3661
Rainbow Promotions LLC: 562-424-0013
Ticket Prices: $46.00 to $101.00
About Rainbow Promotions, LLC
Rainbow Promotions is the producer of the Long Beach Jazz Festival, various concerts at the Terrace Theatre, Long Beach Center for the Performing Arts and other events throughout the year. For 27 years, Rainbow Promotions has presented the Long Beach Jazz Festival, one of the city's major events. For more about Rainbow Promotions, LLC., go to www.rainbowpromotions.com
