Gerald Albright: Pushing the Envelope (2010)

Woodrow Wilkins

since 2004

Woody started in jazz with the diverse sounds of Maynard Ferguson's bands of the 1970s.

Recent articles (361 total)

Published: June 22, 2010

Whether the economy, the climate or war, the world faces a multitude of crises. During times like these, music can be a valuable healing force. Saxophonist and producer Gerald Albright takes that approach with Pushing the Envelope.

Albright counts saxophonist Maceo Parker and Julian "Cannonball" Adderley among his influences. His career has included work as both a band leader and a sideman. Among his associations are Anita Baker, Ray Parker, Teena Marie and Maurice White. For Pushing the Envelope, Albright plays a variety of instruments, including bass guitar, with a trio of drummer Ricky Lawson, keyboardist Tracy Carter and guitarist Ricky Watford.

Albright's daughter, Selina, brings vocals to a danceable cover of Michael Jackson's "Get on the Floor," from Jackson's mega-hit, Off the Wall (Epic, 1979). A seldom covered song, Albright turns in a pleasing rendition, capturing enough of the original that it's familiar, but adapting it as his own. Mark Cargill plugs in the string section, and with Watford and Lawson doing their thing, Albright scores, both with his saxophone lead and slick bass guitar.

Earl Klugh sits in on "I Found the Klugh," penned by Albright as a tribute to the acoustic guitarist's unique style. The alto leads, at times joined by Klugh, with Luther "Mano" Hanes taking over keyboard duties.

Albright stretches out aplenty on the balladic "Embrace the Spirit." Accompanied only by his core trio, he expresses freely, with a sound that's part Grover Washington Jr., part Michael Brecker and all soul.

"Highway 70" is a roll-the-windows down and step on it tune. The song serves the dual purpose of recognizing Interstate Highway 70 as it passes through Colorado, and a nod towards Earth, Wind & Fire, one of Albright's all-time favorite bands.

Albright is versatile as both a composer and musician. Easily comfortable playing jazz, blues, R&B or pop, he's earned two Grammy nominations and was among 10 saxophonists chosen to play during President Clinton's inauguration. With Pushing the Envelope, Albright continues to show why he's one of the biggest multi-genre stars.

Track Listing: What Would James Do?; Get on the Floor; Bobo's Groove; Capetown Strut; Close to You; I Found the Klugh; Embrace the Spirit; The Road to Peace; Highway 70; From the Soul.

Personnel: Gerald Albright: alto, tenor and baritone saxophones (1-4, 6-10), bass guitar (1-3, 6-8, 10), keyboards (1, 4, 6, 7, 8), drum programming (1), synthesizer programming (2, 3), EWI (2-4, 6, 7, 9), soprano saxophone (5, 8), flutes (5), background vocals (5), percussion programming (6, 8); Fred Wesley: trombone (1); Ricky Watford: guitars (1-3, 5-10), acoustic guitar (4); Tracy Carter: keyboards (1-5, 7-10); Ricky Lawson: drums (2-10); Mark Cargill: string section (2, 5); Selina Albright: background vocals (2, 5); Earl Klugh: acoustic guitar (6); Luther "Mano" Hanes: keyboards (6); George Duke: acoustic piano (8).

Record Label: Heads Up International
Style: Contemporary/Smooth