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Press Release

JODYJAZZ INC 1335 Lynah Ave, Suite 112 Savannah, GA 31408 Phone: 912-964-4705 Toll Free: 866-563-9529 Fax: 912-233-4991 Web: Jodyjazz.com Contact: Colin Schofield Phone: 912-964-4705

E-mail: [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RLEASE

December 10, 2018

JodyJazz Welcomes as Artist Endorser

Savannah, GA.....Renowned saxophone mouthpiece makers JodyJazz Inc have announced that internationally acclaimed saxophonist Kirk Whalum is now playing JodyJazz mouthpieces. One of the most well-known saxophone artists in the world, Kirk Whalum’s music has been described as "soulful", "passionate" and "stirring". Kirk is playing the JodyJazz HR* Tenor 8 with the HRT1 POWER RING Ligature.

“Kirk Whalum has one of the most recognized saxophone sounds on the planet, and we could not be prouder that he is now playing our mouthpieces,” said JodyJazz Founder and President Jody Espina. “Kirk had the opportunity to try some of the JodyJazz HR* Tenor mouthpieces and quickly fell in love. We are delighted to welcome him to the JodyJazz family of artists.”

Kirk’s unmistakable big, rich tenor sound is deeply rooted in his Memphis, gospel background and was honed in the nightclubs of Houston, Texas. It was here that Kirk also developed his songwriting skills and first lead his own bands. It was also in Houston where acclaimed jazz pianist “discovered” him and brought him on tour. This then led to five successful albums with Columbia Records, including 'Cache', Kirk’s first #1 album, and in addition, Kirk and Bob received a Grammy nomination for their collaboration album 'Joined at the Hip'. After moving to Los Angeles, Kirk became one of the most in-demand studio musicians in town, recording with the likes of Barbara Streisand, , , , Quincy Jones and , among many others. Most famously it’s Kirk’s saxophone on Houston’s mega-hit ''. Owing to the ubiquitous radio presence of this hugely popular song, Kirk’s solo is considered to be one of the most broadly heard pieces of saxophone playing of all time. Kirk followed that with perhaps his most successful solo recording of all, the phenomenal hit album 'For You'. Other successful projects include the much lauded 'Gospel According to Jazz series' and the popular soul/jazz group 'BWB' which also features and .

Kirk not only touches people through his music, he has earned a Masters of Art in Religion and is an ordained minister. He serves the spiritual needs of his community in various ways when he is not touring. He also hosts a popular daily fifteen minute podcast, Bible In Your Ear (BIYE), in which he reads through the Bible in a year. In addition to music and ministry, Kirk has a passion to educate young, aspiring musicians and is currently engaged as a music professor at Visible Music College in his hometown of Memphis.

Kirk is the recipient of numerous awards and acknowledgements for his musical excellence including three Dove Award nominations, an NAACP Image Award nomination and has won two Stellar Awards-Gospel music’s highest honor. A twelve time Grammy nominee, Kirk won his first Grammy award (2011) for Best Gospel Song (‘It’s What I Do’ featuring ) alongside life-long friend and gifted songwriter, Jerry Peters.

Photo Caption: The JodyJazz Artist Kirk Whalum with Jody Espina, President & Founder of JodyJazz Inc.

C JODYJAZZ INC 1335 Lynah Ave, Suite 112, Savannah, GA 31408 Jodyjazz.com