2011 marks the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Houston and Lyon concerts. One of the musicians who were on that legendary concerts was Kirk Whalum who performed live Ron’s Piece, a song made for Ron MacNair to be played on the Challenger space-shuttle. Kirk Whalum kindly gave us this interesting interview.
– For those who don’t know who are you, please tell us who is Kirk Whalum?
I was born and raised in a town called Memphis, but we call it Soulsville. It’s a place, similar to New Orleans, where music is so much a part of the culture that sometimes we don’t even realize it! But along the way I was introduced to the revelation of God’s love and grace in Christ. I realized that the solution to humankind’s problem (including my own problem) of rebellion against our loving creator, had come to earth in the form of the “God/Man” Jesus. I accepted Him into my heart with many tears, and now those tears continue––tears of profound joy!!! And that is who I am. You can hear those tears in my music. Pueden oir estas “lagrimas de gozo” a traves de mi musica.
– How were your first steps in music?
I have wanted to be “in a band” since I can remember. The first instrument I got was a drum, then a bass guitar. When I heard that my uncle (Hugh “Peanuts” Whalum) played the saxophone in St. Louis, I knew that I wanted to play saxophone too. I started at age 12, now I’m 52!
– Did you know about JMJ and his music before Houston concert?
I had never heard of JMJ, which is interesting because I had studied French in Paris at age 19. The time I spent in France was such an overwhelming culture shock (the good kind!) that I didn’t get around to listening to much French music.
– The year 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the Houston and Lyon concerts, both legendary events. Let’s talk about Houston . I’ve heard that you were close friend of Ron MacNair. Was it the main reason of your involvement in the event? How were your first meeting with Jean Michel Jarre?
Actually the story of meeting Ron is very funny. I met him when he came to hear me play at a local club in Houston in the early 80s. Then the next time he came, trying to be a good host, I said, “Good evening my friend, I remember meeting you! Tell me again what you do, aren’t you an airline flight attendant?” !!! He looked at me, he wore thick horn-rimmed glasses and was extremely “nerdy,” and said calmly; “I’m an astronaut!!” We were friends from that point on. He asked me to help him arrange a saxophone piece to record in the space shuttle. Unfortunately I never got a chance to do it.
Meeting JMJ was a thrill! By the time I met him I had done the research to know how BIG of a star he was, as well as Charlotte Rampling. But he was extremely kind and very humble. He worked with me very patiently to convey just how he wanted me to play the melodies.
– Please, tell us about your recollections of the Houston concert.: The rehearsals, the concert itself, your stunning performance of Ron’s Piece, etc…
There were only a few run-throughs. The piece that I played was very dramatic so I wanted to be sure I was interpreting it according to his vision. There were lots of things to coordinate because each piece was choreographed with lights, fireworks, etc. So there were many people running around with “walky-talkies.” And of course I felt the responsibility of representing Ron because his wife Cheryl is the one who requested that I play his part.
– Six months later of the Houston concert, you performed in Lyon. Please, tell us, like in the question about Houston concert, about your recollections of this very special concert.
I really think that the Lyon concert was more stressful (and exciting!) for JMJ and his crew. The fact that they were back in their country where JMJ was extremely famous, and that the concert was for “l’arrivé du pape” (the arrival of the pope) made everyone that much more tense. In the end it was truly a joyous occasion and most of us even shed tears because of the general goodwill and joy amongst so many people. They loved and respected John Paul a great deal. The scene was also extraordinary (in a very different way from Houston). We were set up on a bridge over the river in the middle of town!! Lyon is such a breathtaking place… It was very memorable.
– The solo you performed in Rendez Vous 4 in the Lyon concert is stunning, absolutely. The creation of the solo belongs to you or was a JMJ idea? Who composed the solo, you, JMJ, someone else..?
I suppose the solo was a collaboration between JMJ and myself. Of course the melodies were written, but I was charged with bringing the melody to life. He seemed to be quite a fan (and quite knowledgeable) of jazz and improvised music. So the point of having me, especially with my more gospel-based approach to melodies. He wanted it to be both soulful and free. So the original melody sounded very different from the final version.
– How is working with JMJ? Is he a good “boss”?
He was indeed! “Il était un trés bon chef!” He was very intense, very focused.
– After the Houston and Lyon concerts have you kept the contact with JMJ? Have you ever met again with JMJ after the Lyon concert?
I have not. I would love very much to work with him again someday!
– Do you like JMJ music? If so, apart of, obviously, Ron’s Piece, is there any JMJ track or album that you specially like?
I do. I really enjoy Les Concert en Chine. But of course my favorite is Rendezvous Houston! Watching him play the laser harp was quite dramatic!
– Ron’s Piece is such an emotional track… It talks about your friend Ron: How are your feelings when you hear this track?
It was extremely difficult to think of how Ron perished. He had small children and was also a member of my church. He taught martial arts to children and was very involved there at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. It was so sad to think that he would have been there performing the song himself had he not died at such a young age.
– Are you following the current projects of JMJ?
I have not heard JMJ’s music lately, but I’m glad you mentioned it. I’m going to check out his website!
– Apart of JMJ you have worked with many artists like Quincy Jones, Whitney Houston (you collaborated on her hit the Bodyguard) and many others… Please tell us a bit about your work with these artists, about your solo work and your future projects.
You’re right, I have worked with too many artists to remember! But the two you mentioned were perhaps the two most memorable and for which I am the most proud. I never imagined that I would tour and record with such artists. I am happy that I can tell my grandchildren some of the things I was able to see… including hundreds of thousands of people joyfully welcoming the pope to Lyon, and over two million people in Houston celebrating NASA and Texas!
– Please, tell us a bit about the Soulsville Project.
The Soulsville Foundation (a non-profit) is the parent organization of three entities: The Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the Stax Music Academy, and the Soulsville Charter School. Of course you must make a special trip to “Soulsville” (Memphis!) to see this one-of-a-kind museum. There is no place like it in the world, especially since so much music, so much famous and powerful music, was made right there on that corner. Isaac Hayes, Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas, The Staple Singers… on and on. Songs like I’m A Soul Man, Hold On I’m Comin’, Sitting On the Dock Of the Bay and others were recorded at Stax records during the 60s and 70s. It’s hard to find a spot in the world where this music is not cherished. So we try our best to celebrate it, and of course to push it forward into the future through the museum and the academy.
– And, last but not least, have you ever performed in Spain or visited the country?
Desafortunadamente solamente una vez! Con Whitney Houston en 2000 (??) Hemos visitado a Barcelona por las vacaciones (mi esposa y yo) y amamos muy fuerte su pais! Tapas, manchego, los vinos de españa, paella… hmmmmm!!! Ojala que recibe una invitacion para venir con mi propio grupo!!
– Thank you very much, Kirk, for your kindness with us and best regards from Spain.
Me encanta mi amigo!
Very nice article. Kirk looks like a great person.