More on "Peanuts" Whalum and Rendezvous

Hugh "Peanuts" Whalum
(Photo by Dennis Owsley)

A couple of months ago, StLJN had a brief item about longtime St. Louis mainstay Hugh "Peanuts" Whalum signing with Rendezvous Music, the company owned by saxophonist Dave Koz that already included Whalum's nephew, smooth jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum, on its roster of artists.

Now we've found out a bit more about Rendezvous' plans for the elder Whalum, courtesy of Cheryl Hughey, who's handling publicity for the Rendezvous All-Stars appearance at the Pageant next month. Later this year, Rendezvous will reissue Whalum's eponymous 2001 CD, originally recorded for Top Drawer, a small custom label established by Kirk Whalum prior to his signing with Rendezvous. Hugh "Peanuts" Whalum, the CD, will get new cover artwork and will receive nationwide distribution under the combined imprint of Rendezvous/Top Drawer.

It'll be interesting to see how Rendezvous markets the Whalum CD, as it is very much a straightahead jazz recording, rather than one in the smooth jazz that has been the label's meat and potatoes. Based on a couple of listens, I can see the material and production style appealing to fans of both Cole brothers - Nat "King" and Freddy, that is - as well as to those who enjoy the saloon song stylings of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. The production by Kirk Whalum is nicely understated, showing off his uncle's talents as vocalist, pianist and saxophonist in a program of swing, standards and ballads.

Of course, people in St. Louis know what a fine musician and singer "Peanuts" is, but in today's highly fragmented and youth-obsessed music marketplace, how does a record company break a "new" artist who's been in the music business for a half-century already? It's a challenge, to be sure, but there's no doubt Hugh Whalum deserves a wider audience, and perhaps now he'll get it. For now, he can still be heard most Thursday nights at Brandt's in University City, and will also make a guest appearance at the Rendezvous All-Stars show at the Pageant.