Downtown Sound: Rodney Whitaker

Internationally renowned bassist and Mack Avenue recording artist Rodney Whitaker is recognized as one of the world's leading performers, educators, and mentors on the double bass. A Detroit native, Whitaker absorbed the city's deep traditions of jazz and classical music from an early age, honing his craft alongside man of Detroit's finest musicians. Those roots, combined with extraordinary talent, propelled him to an international career and a reputation as one of the most sought-after jazz bassists of his generation. Whitaker spent seven years as a bassist with Wynton Marsalis' Sextet and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, establishing his stature on the global stage. Over the past three decades, he has toured the world, performing with more than 100 legendary artists, including Dianne Reeves, Hank Jones, Kenny Burrell, Diana Krall, Chick Corea, Betty Carter, and leading symphony orchestras across the globe. His discography is equally expansive, with appearances on over 100 recordings, as well as acclaimed work in film. His scores include China (PBS, 2002) and Malaria and Malawi (PBS, 2010), the latter earning him a 2011 EMMY nomination for Outstanding Original Music. As a recording artist, Whitaker has released several albums on Mack Avenue Records, including Get Ready and Work to Do, as well as Better Than Alright with the Michigan State University College of Music. His collaboration Let Me Tell You About My Day (Alma Records) earned a Juno Award nomination in 2006 for Traditional Jazz Album of the Year. Beyond performance, Whitaker is devoted to education. He is a full professor of jazz bass and director of jazz studies at Michigan State University, where he has built one of the nation's premier degree programs in jazz performance. With his artistry and mentorship, he continues to inspire and shape the next generation of jazz musicians.