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