Kirk Whalum’s first Christmas project has all the hallmarks of his famed saxophone sound that have earned him raining accolades from nearly every corner of the music industry (see also his recent Hymns project).

The Christmas Message is filled with fourteen tracks of music that honor Jesus Christ as our source for Christmas celebration. Each song is expertly teased into fresh takes of jazzed inspiration by this instrumental giant. Most are familiar, but there’s a couple of genius originals included too, as well as a number of lesser known classics.

Kirk Whalum's Message

Kirk Whalum’s own introduction to his album is found in the CD liner notes. He says a bundle, and is worth reprinting here: Dear Listener: Yes, there is an actual message to Christmas! Here's a hint; it's the difference between "X-Mas" and "Christmas." Though many folks celebrate the "Holiday Season" for many different reasons, this collection of songs unabashedly celebrates the Christ Child's birth and subsequent sacrificial death and resurrection. The deepest need of humankind, the "sin problem," was resolved once and for all by this son of a Jewish carpenter. When once asked, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus responded, "This is the work; to believe on Him who was sent." The gift of eternal life is received not earned. The way that we receive it is by believing. It's that simple. The Christmas message is for anyone and everyone. Jew, Gentile, man, woman, boy and girl. It is a message of hope. Thus, it's worth celebrating!

Whalum collaborates with keyboardist/vocalist John Stoddart for much of the material; they are great allies, displaying consistent interplay and musical collaboration from cut to cut. To top that, frequent vocals from various sources make this more than an instrumental project.

Familiar fare awakens with confident saxophone entries and subtle jazz flourishes, with “Do You Hear”, “We Three Kings” and “O Holy Night” being cases in point.

But those lesser-known classics, that’s where this project shoots a projectory into musical orbit.

Stoddart tosses in some fabulous rhythmic vocal segments on the rocking “Cradle of Bethlehem”. On the Swedish “Blott En Dag”, Whalum begins with a saxophone solo before singer Cyndee Peters steps in with a richly textured vocal that Whalum and crew tenderly wrap in classically-tinted jazz. Incredible.

Guitar treasure Phil Keaggy contributes his gift on Whalum’s own composition, “The Christmas Message”. Then the exquisite melody and moving lyrics on Stoddart’s “Love From A Star” will touch many: