Maryland-born and Georgia-based saxophonist Kim Waters drew his primary inspiration from jazz icons such as Duke Ellington, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, and Cannonball Adderley. He grew up in a musical family and formed his first professional band with his brothers James and Eric, along with his hometown friend Cyrus Chestnut. In fact, his first instrument at the age of eight was the violin, but as Kim puts it: “That didn’t go over well with the fellas.” Within five years, he had found his true calling on the alto and soprano saxophones. He was playing straight-ahead jazz with alto saxophonist Gary Bartz, pianist Cyrus Chestnut, and a great tenor player from Baltimore named Mickey Fields. Today, however, he is regarded as “one of the premiere architects and reigning kings of Contemporary Jazz.” His music is characterized by distinctive, dreamy melodies and seductive grooves, combining elements of jazz, R&B, blues, and pop. Over a career spanning three and a half decades, he has shared the stage with many of the greats, including Ray Charles, Isaac Hayes, Quincy Jones, Grover Washington, Jr., and Maysa Leak. And not to forget his daughter Kayla, who has followed in his musical footsteps. The pianist has also already performed on our stage. Remember the Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival in 2019…?