By Fidelia Dawn
On Sunday, September 15th, music lovers anxiously gathered at Total Deliverance Worship Center to hear the smooth vocal and saxophone performance of the phenomenal Jason Brown and Grammy Award winning Kirk Whalum. Music is a universal language. It transcends linguistic barriers, cultural divides, and religious denominations to speak to a person’s soul. That is exactly what took place on Sunday. Brown and Whalum used their musical gifts to speak to their audience.
Each note blown through the saxophone was belted out just as if a vocalist was singing unto the Lord. The sax sang the lyrics to each song sending goose bumps up the arms of all those blessed to be touched by the melodic wails. “We are just worshipping the Lord through our instruments,” said Brown as he transitioned from one song to the next. The ensemble of vocalist and musician who backed up these two extraordinary performers was magnificent. The drummer, bassist, lead guitarist, and keyboardist played skillfully and were a wonderful accompaniment to the evening. The attendees joined in the worship making the night a sweet smelling savor unto the Lord. In a rare occurrence Jason Brown was joined on stage by his wife, Shante. The love between the two was palpable and their harmonious vocal pairing was a beautiful thing to see.
Brown, a San Diego native, has been playing the saxophone since he was 13 years old and recorded his first album at the age of 16. Playing the sax is a therapeutic outlet for him. Just as some use exercise an avenue to relieve stress and express themselves, so is it with Brown and his music. Putting together a show he is not only the artist that spends hours perfecting the songs he will perform, but he is also promoter and business man all rolled into one. Sometimes the task is a little daunting and he attributes his ability to handle it all to having a supportive wife and an active prayer life. Prayer keeps him grounded and gives him the strength to keep moving forward. He would advise anyone seeking to be a fulltime musician to make sure it’s what God wants them to do. “Not everyone is equipped to handle the struggle that most musicians encounter. Can you handle sleeping in your car or not knowing where your next meal will come from?” Brown has paid his dues as a struggling artist and although his efforts are paying off he remains humble.
For 43 years Kirk Whalum has played the saxophone. Anyone can take lessons and learn to play an instrument, but there will always be something missing or hindrances unless they’ve been gifted by God to play. Along with that gift comes a confidence and ability to stand on a stage before hundreds or thousands of fans and perform. In high school listening to the likes of Ronnie Laws, The Crusaders, and Grover Washington inspired Whalum to seek a music career of his own. He loves to play and enjoys the pursuance of music. His passion has led him to share the stage with musical greats such as Whitney Houston and Luther Vandross. Being a Christian and sharing the stage with mainstream musicians Whalum felt as if God wanted him to shine right where he was. In 2011 he was shining brightly when he garnered a Grammy Award for a composition co-written by Jerry Peters and performed by Lalah Hathaway. With a degree in music and a master’s in seminary Whalum has been able to combine his love for music and his love for the Lord into a successful career that has allowed him to travel the world. Although he loves what he does he is also thrilled when he returns home to the love of his life. After all these years he is still infatuated with his wife. Yes he hates that his travels keep them apart, but states that absence definitely makes the heart grow fonder and makes returning home more rewarding.
Although these two saxophonists have stood on stage, performed before countless fans, and had adoring people stand in lines to purchase their CDs, get their autograph, or be photographed with them, they remain humble. They love what they do and being able to share it with others is an added bonus. They put their all into their music. The time and effort they put into honing their gifts and preparing for a show is evident in their performances and those in attendance reap the benefits.
