The live jazz show Sept. 10 promises to be the hottest night of the summer in Kirkland as “Best New Artist of the Year nominee” Kyle Wolverton brings his electrifying urban jazz show to the Kirkland Performance Center.
Wolverton, a Kirkland native, now lives in Los Angeles where he has assembled one of the most dynamic ensembles to join forces in years. The six-piece group features players who have toured with Stevie Wonder, The Jazz Crusaders, Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, Sheila E, Wayne Shorter and many more.
The result is a sound that is a blend of urban, smooth, and Latin Jazz.
Wolverton had the luxury of growing up in a very musical household. Kyle’s father, and younger brother Joel also play the saxophone. If Wolverton wasn’t falling asleep at night to the sounds of his dad practicing, Zoot Sims, Billy Vaugh, or Boots Randolph were most likely playing on the record player.
He began playing at the age of nine. Wolverton’s sound has been compared to Grover Washington Jr. and Gerald Albright.
In addition to studying the works of legendary performers like fellow Seattle sax players Kenny G and Jeff Kashiwa, Wolverton also was influenced heavily by The Yellowjackets, and David Sanborn.
He has always been a huge fan of hip hop and R&B. The influences of Stevie Wonder, Prince, Luther Vandross, and Michael Jackson can be heard throughout the critically acclaimed debut CD.
Since the release of Kyle’s debut CD, “Soul Groove,” the project has surprised many long-time smooth jazz lovers with not one, but two Billboard hits.
The first single from the album “Miss Peaches” is a track steeped in ’70s funk and R&B. The smooth follow up single “Can’t Stop the Feeling” hit the power rotation on virtually every jazz station in the country on its ride to the top 10.
Previously, Wolverton has played KWJZ’s Summer Concert at the St. Michelle Winery as well as Jazz Alley.
The show at the Kirkland Performance Center promises to be an extremely memorable homecoming for Wolverton. The intimate, 400-seat theater will play host to one of the biggest urban jazz shows to hit the stage in years.The performance begins at 8 p.m. Sept. 10 at the KPC, 350 Kirkland Ave. Tickets are $30. For information, visit www.kpcenter.org or call (425) 893-9900.
