The Music of Jeffrey Whalen


Jeffrey Whalen with his alto saxMusic was such a big part of Jeffrey Whalen’s life.  Jeff not only played, but wrote music quite often.  He used the following software, which he greatly appreciated after many years of using ‘old school’ paper and pencil.

Here is a link for a good online jazz arranging site that Jeff liked:
jazzarrangingclass.com

One of Jeffrey’s favorite books that influenced his playing was:
Here is the author of that book:

Effortless Mastery Kenny Werner: The 4 Steps How to Play Jazz Videos Jazz Improvisation Lesson

Although Jeffrey was a part of many different bands and ensembles over his lifetime, he most consistently performed with the Bensen-Scott Big Band.

Here are two articles of Jeffrey playing with the Big Band:

Jeffrey Whalen plays for Veterans

Jeffrey Whalen plays with Big Band

Here is a video of the Bensen-Scott Big Band performing Jeffrey Whalen’s arrangement of Justin Veatch’s extraordinary song, Can’t Afford The Color. Jeffrey Whalen: soloist

Please visit the www.thejustinveatchfund.org

Here are a few articles, listings and favorite venues from some of the projects Jeffrey Whalen was involved with:
Robert began as a kid singing and playing bass guitar with his blues-singing … Peekskill, NY See Map … Our group consists of five (that’s right) musicians including Jeff Whalen (alto sax, … Swing/Jump, Big Band, 12 Grapes Music & Wine Bar)
Peekskill, NY – Our talented musicians included Jeff Whalen (alto sax, music teacher at Yorktown’s Crompond Elementary School), Charles Racioppo … 12 Grapes has moved our once-monthly Kids Open Mic to the third SUNDAY of each month. … Bring your guitar, bass, sax, flute or whatever instrument you play.
This Philadelphia-based roots revivalist duo plays six and twelve-string guitars, slide guitar, harmonica and … Latin, Jazz, and Blues, The Peekskill Coffee House …. Rock (classic), 12 Grapes Music & Wine Bar ….. The members of the combo are in the Yorktown High School Jazz Band, where Jeff Whalen is co-director.
THE ECHOES OF SINATRA BAND consists of professional musicians who … Symphony performing at colleges, libraries, The Rainbow Room and Lincoln Center … River Jazz Orchestra, Benson-Scott Big Band and the Big Bang Jazz Gang.
New York Post
May 9, 2015 – To the beat of a big band, couples swing dance on the revolving dance … Starting in July, the Rainbow Room will instead serve an a la carte …

Here are some links where you can find Jeffrey Whalen’s music online:

https://play.spotify.com/track/6fC0DvXXbjOXEqfcfNJeAh?play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open

http://www.muzofox.eu/mp3/can_t_afford_the_color_bensen_scott_big_band

https://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B008BSD99M/278-5008314-8170301?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0

http://www.muviza.net/lagump3-cant-afford-the-color-the-bensen-scott-big-band-arranged-by-jeff-whalen-237417510.xhtml

Jeffrey had a blast attending the First Ever Berklee Reunion in 2014:

Here is an audio clip of some music performed at Jeff’s memorial service.  Naima and Amazing Grace: