For nearly four decades, Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum has embodied pure “cool,” shaping the sound of contemporary jazz and adding soulful fire to hits by Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston. Though few artists rise to such heights in jazz or R&B, Whalum remains driven. His latest album, Epic Cool, raises the bar again, amplifying the vitality, soul, and melodic flair that define his work.

Whalum’s career spans more than 25 solo albums, including a Grammy-nominated collaboration with pianist Bob James, the faith-infused Gospel According to Jazz series, and three acclaimed releases with supergroup BWB. His résumé also includes collaborations with legends such as Barbra Streisand, Quincy Jones, Al Jarreau, Larry Carlton, and the late Joey DeFrancesco.

To shape Epic Cool, Whalum partnered with Swiss-Nigerian producer Greg Manning, whose blend of classical training, jazz fluency, and African soul proved transformative. Manning’s instantly memorable hook on the opening track, “Bah-De-Yah!,” channels the funk of Earth, Wind & Fire and inspires some of Whalum’s most melodic playing.

The album spans moods—from the sultry “Pillow Talk” to the uplifting “Through the Storm,” a tribute to Whalum’s wife Ruby and their decades together. “Crusaderation” honors the Jazz Crusaders and unites Whalum with his musical family, including son Kyle and nephews Kameron and Kenneth. Other highlights include the tender “Kori,” dedicated to his daughter, and the cinematic “Film Noir,” inspired by his years in Paris.

With Epic Cool, Whalum distills a lifetime of soul, faith, family, and groove into music that feels timeless—and unmistakably his.