Personnel: Kirk Whalum (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Kirk Whalum; John Stoddart (vocals, piano, Fender Rhodes piano); Norman Brown (guitar); Mark Portmann (strings, keyboards, programming); Takana Miyamoto (piano, Fender Rhodes piano); Ricky Peterson (Fender Rhodes piano, Hammond b-3 organ, keyboards); Andy Snitzer (keyboards, programming); Christian McBride (bass guitar); Bashiri Johnson (percussion); Kenneth Edmonds , Juan Winans, Melinda Doolittle, Babyface (background vocals); Chuck Loeb (acoustic guitar); Dave Koz (soprano saxophone); Rick Braun (trumpet, flugelhorn). Audio Mixer: Fabrice Dupont. Liner Note Author: Kirk Whalum. Recording information: Automotive Recording, Irvington, NY; Brandon's Way, Hollywood, CA; Father's Image Studios, Brentwood, TN; Mark Portmann Music Studio, Los Angeles, CA; PureMix, New York, NY; Sear Sound Studios, New York, NY; Sunset Sound, Hollywood, CA; West End Studio, New York, NY. Photographer: Michael Wilson . Arrangers: Matt Pierson ; Mark Portmann ; Andy Snitzer. The title of saxophonist Kirk Whalum's 2005 album Kirk Whalum Performs the Babyface Songbook speaks for itself. You get smooth jazz icon Whalum taking on R&B icon Babyface's best songs of the past 15 years, including "Waiting to Exhale (Shoop Shoop)," "I'll Make Love to You," "When Can I See You," and others. Joining in the intimate and stylish proceedings are other smooth jazz notables, including trumpeter Rick Braun, who adds a boppish elan to "Can We Talk," soprano superstar Dave Koz, and guitarists Norman Brown and Chuck Loeb among others. Fans of Whalum and Babyface alike should find much to enjoy here. ~ Matt Collar

• Released: 10/4/2005
• Format: CD
• Genre: Pop