The Grammy winning Ahmad Jamal's album was released in 1979 via 20th Century Fox's record label that had various artists featured on it, such as Billy Joel, plus three Jamal originals. David played flute on the album. David Crawford said at the time he was working at Capital Records as an arranger/composer.

"He (Jamal) was the producer of the 5th Dimensions," David continued about his experience with the legendary producer. "He was my mentor. He co-wrote with Skip (Scarborough) who produced for Earth, Wind & Fire. Skip composed ‘Don't Ask My Neighbor' (by the Emotions on Columbia Records). And before he passed away, he did Anita Baker ‘s ‘Giving You the Best That I Got'."

From there the 9x platinum/gold selling David Crawford had the opportunity to play as flutist for others, like The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and Issac Hayes. He has worked as conductor for the African-American Chamber Music Society Orchestra from 2015 - 2021. The California native who is now residing in Las Vegas, played session flute at A&M Records, Alanta Records, RCA Records, Polygram Records, and Columbia Records. As a flutist he has also played with the Santa Monica Symphony and Burbank Symphony. David played for duo Rene & Angela, produced Mary J Blige for MCA Records where he was arranger/composer. He was also arranger/composer for Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Bill Withers, Bobby Womack ("Breezin'" single), and ConFunkShon (1969). He produced Vesta's hit "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" that reached Billboard's Top 10 Chart. Crawford has amassed over 179 credits in his musical career.

The new David Crawford single "Africa Nouveau" has the skills of trumpeter Nolan Shaheed giving it that contrast Crawford wanted. The new "Africa Nouveau" single is from his upcoming debut album title "Something Borrowed, Something New." David Crawford, also a scholar, has earned a bachelor's and master's degree in music (Classical and Jazz, and flute) from California Institute of the Arts.

On the concept for the new single David said, "I am always watching the news. There are a lot of new leaders in South Africa that are doing good social changes in South Africa...I was impressed. That inspired me and I got this idea. In reaching out to the promoters they were not sure if it's for the Smooth Jazz genre (because of the South African vibe). They said it had to specifically be like this and that. I said, ‘Well, I AM trying to make it like this and that!' Next week...I'm going to make modifications...to be more radio friendly."

I basically said, "What do they know? I have heard songs outside the normal genre that get accepted and become hits.

"Yes, for example, ‘I Will Survive' by Gloria Gainor. It was a B-Side song, that turned out to be a hit," he agreed with me as we ended the interview.

(November 25, 2025) - "I am an ordained minister and have been officiating weddings before," said 12-time Grammy Award winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum when we were talking about his new wedding packages "Weddings by Whalum: An Unforgettable Marriage and Music Experience." "I have done a lot on cruises...vow renewals, people marrying again after 40-50 years."Imagine having a legend like Kirk Whalum officiate your wedding - mind-blowing.

Couples can choose from three exclusive wedding officiation packages. "The Promise" is one that includes the officiation, and words of wisdom from Whalum (45 minutes). The "I Will Always Love You" wedding package that includes the officiation, Whalum's words of wisdom, and a performance by Kirk Whalum of the single by Whitney Houston that he helped make a hit "I Will Always Love You" (60 minutes). Last is the "Epic Cool" wedding package that includes the officiation by Whalum; his words of wisdom; Kirk's performance of the single "I Will Always Love You," and a concert (45-minute set) - totaling almost 1 ½ hours.

"Even if you are not Christian and even if you are the same sex," Kirk pointed out about his wedding ceremonies. "I know I'm going to go through opposition by marrying two females and two males. We don't know why...the Bible doesn't mention it."

I didn't want to give Kirk any opposition, but I was disagreeing in my mind because I have read the Bible twice in my lifetime as a nonfiction novel and it is mentioned throughout starting with the beginning in Genesis "...the Lord God made a woman from the rib He had taken out of the man...and he brought her to the man..." However, I know the Bible is interpretive. God reveals what He wants you to see when He wants you to see it. I also believe God gave us free will to make our own choices without opposition, and He directed all of us to love one another because we all fall short of His glory.

So, instead of saying that I told Kirk that as long as he is putting God in the middle of the marriages it's all good for me. Then I asked if he does include God in the wedding ceremonies.

"We make it clear...and we clear it with them. I only know one way (to officiate)," Whalum pointed out when I asked. "Marriage is created by God."

I asked Kirk Whalum if he counsels the couples before the wedding officiation and he said, "I do...I try to find out what truly matters to them...so I do require a sit down for an hour or two. Ruby and I were in Paris ....and I did a FaceTime (wedding)."

"The way we look at it...we are getting two people to sit down and agree to bring God into it and that's a win...AND me praying over them (is bringing God into it)," he pointed out to me.

I told Kirk Whalum, who is infamous for being Whitney Houston's personal saxophonist, that he may start a marriage revolution officiating weddings outside the church walls for all couples.

"A love revolution," he pointed out as we ended my interview.  www.KirkWhalum.com

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Dr. Eunice Moseley has an estimated weekly readership of over one million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Business Management/Public Relations Strategist and Consultant at Freelance Associates and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENTS: "Uplifting Minds II" Entertainment Conference (ULMII), founded by Eunice in 1999, is into its 26th year. Next events are coming to Baltimore via Zoom Saturday April 19, 2025, presented by Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times, and Los Angeles via Zoom Saturday, November 8, 2025. The ULMII event is a free entertainment conference offering a Professional Panel Q&A Session, a Professional Talent Showcase and National Talent Competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) where aspiring artists have a chance to receive over $20,000 valued in prizes/product/services. Log onto www.UpliftingMinds2.com RSVP for Zoom Access at EventBrite.com or email info@thepulseofentertainment.com.ent.com.