What makes Caché by Kirk Whalum notable?

Caché received critical acclaim for its lush arrangements and Whalum's expressive saxophone playing, contributing to the smooth jazz genre's popularity in the early '90s. The album also features a cover of 'Over the Rainbow,' which has been highlighted for its emotional depth and is often cited as one of Whalum's signature performances. Released in 1993, Caché marked Kirk Whalum's fifth album and solidified his position as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz. This album followed his successful release of 'And You Know That' in 1992, further establishing his unique blend of jazz and R&B influences.

Caché works well if you're into smooth melodies for relaxation, soulful expressions of love and intricate improvisations to savor.

How many songs are on Caché?

Caché has 10 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Caché

Kirk Whalum · 1993

54 min · 10 tracks · jazz

Smooth jazz melodies intertwine with soulful expressions, showcasing Whalum's masterful saxophone work and rich emotional depth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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X-Factor — This opening track sets a captivating tone with its intricate melodies and rhythm, showcasing Whalum's technical prowess and emotive style.
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Love Is A Losing Game — Whalum's interpretation of this classic showcases his ability to convey deep emotion through improvisation, transforming the familiar into something fresh and poignant.
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Over The Rainbow — This rendition stands out for its heartfelt saxophone solo that breathes new life into the timeless classic, demonstrating Whalum's artistry and emotional connection to the music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Caché showcases strong saxophone melodies and cohesive arrangements, solidifying Whalum's presence in smooth jazz.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of saxophone as the lead instrument, with lush backing arrangements that create a smooth texture.
Each track maintains a mid-tempo feel, with the exception of 'Over The Rainbow,' which introduces a slower, more reflective pace.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

smooth melodies for relaxation
soulful expressions of love
intricate improvisations to savor
for intimate gatherings

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1993, Caché marked Kirk Whalum's fifth album and solidified his position as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz. This album followed his successful release of 'And You Know That' in 1992, further establishing his unique blend of jazz and R&B influences.
Stylistic neighbors: David Sanborn· Boney James· Gerald Albright