New York native Kareem Walkes has been breathing powerful, soulful, raw energy into his saxophone and out for the world to hear since the age of 18. Kareem's musical journey began as a star tenor saxophonist with his high school band and then quickly sky-rocketed to the new talent showcase champion of Showtime at the Apollo at the famed Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY. Soon thereafter, Kareem shared a televised musical stage with a tremendous gathering of jazz legends, including Harold Ousley, Sonny Rollins, Benny Waters, Lionel Hampton, and G. Earl Grice on the cable program Circle of Friends. Kareem's mastery of the soprano saxophone earned him the laudable nickname “the Black Kenny G" and as a smooth jazz soprano saxophonist, Kareem has recorded 2 albums entitled "Passion" and "Sax and the City." Early next year, Kareem will begin recording 2 new albums for release in 2007. Never to be limited, Kareem's broad style of play includes funk, rock, blues, and gospel. From 2003 to 2005, he held the resident saxophonist position at West Baptist and Greater Mount Carmel Church where his uplifting soprano saxophone led both church choirs to new heights. Currently, he fronts one of New York City's finest funk bands, Loose Booty whose sound is unparalleled pure, funky, high energy. Kareem continues to perform with various well-known artists in New York City, including Milo Z, Jerry Dugger, Linard, Tanya Michelle, Chrissi Poland, Last Tribe NYC, The Bleecker Street All-Stars, Days of Wild, Yazmin' All Stars, Lliquid, River cat, Bohack, and the incomparable blues legend Moe Holmes. He has also performed with J. Records recording star Gavin DeGraw, as well as Grammy nominated artists Joss Stone and music icon Cyndi Lauper. Kareem still finds time to explore his love of musical theater having spent the past four seasons as the Theater for the New City's Assistant Musical Director and resident saxophonist and keyboardist. Beyond performing, Kareem is currently producing and writing music for soulful newcomer Rhoda Nkojo's debut solo album, " It'z About Time ". A composer, producer, and a self-taught pianist, Kareem's musicality stems from a place of raw passion and desire to create truly unique and superior music.
.. Kareem's Website & Loose Booty's Page
