Sebastian Whittaker

Although he’s only 25, Sebastian Whittaker plays jazz like an old pro. (Art Blakey was the big influence for him.) As he puts it: “Jazz isn’t just something that I do, it’s my whole life.” Sebastian’s debut release, First Outing, started a buzz that has escalated with his follow-up release, 1991’s Searchin’ For The Truth. The latest album has gained considerable attention and done well on the jazz charts, and it is a project that Sebastian is particularly gratified with. “It’s a great feeling to know that people like what we’re putting down,” he comments. “The level of writing and performances are much stronger on this album. There were some personnel changes made between the first and second albums that really enhanced the overall result.”

Whittaker happens to be blind, although he says he did not have a problem learning to play drums. Sebastian points out that sight becomes irrelevant to most drummers, anyway. “When you think about it, when a drummer or any musician becomes well versed in their instrument, they really shouldn’t be looking at it anyway. If you want to be in tune with yourself and get into your instrument, you learn how to play by kenesis, by touch.”

By Teri Saccone