Smooth

Performer: Gerald Albright
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: Personnel: Gerald Albright (soprano, alto & tenor saxophone, flute, keyboards, bass, programming); Derek Nakamoto (strings); Chuckii Booker (keyboards, guitar, programming, background vocals); Arvel McClinton (keyboards, programming, background vocals); Travon Potts (keyboards, programming); Greg Phillanganes, Patrick Moten (keyboards); Paul Jackson Jr., Lee Ritenhour (guitar); Stanley Clarke, "Ready" Freddy Washington, Melvin Davis (bass); Land Richards (drums); Olivia McClurkin, Alfie Silas, Pattie Howard (background vocals); Lalah Hathaway, Will Downing, Howard Hewett, Vesta Williams. Producers: Gerald Albright, Arvel McClinton, Chuckii Booker, Travon Potts. Engineers: Gerald Albright, Keven Kadel, Anthony Jeffries. Recorded at Aire Studios and Bright Music Studios, Los Angeles, California. After a feisty live album recorded at Birdland gave this soulful saxman a chance to stretch his straight-ahead chops, the super cool side of Albright came back on this one. Smooth is indeed the operative word here, as this is a tasty if somewhat typical journey through the land of quiet storm and light funk. Albright's sharp, distinctive tone (bearing both melody and unexpected improvisations) heats up a too long series of pleasant but unremarkable melodies and grooves -- the one instrumental exception being the blazing dual energy provided on "g&lee" by the breezy guitar of Lee Ritenour. As background for those seductive night moves, the silky vocals by the likes of Howard Hewett and Will Downing are can't miss. Though Albright himself dazzles, more sax and less commercial slickness would make this a triumph rather than just another fine but generic rhythm and jazz effort. After you've heard his real jazz chops, the lack of a true traditional piece is a notable omission as well. ~ Jonathan Widran The title to Smooth is appropriate -- the album is a collection of slick fusion, drawing more from urban R&B than jazz. However, smooth can be good, as Gerald Albright proves throughout the album. The saxophonist is a proficient, graceful player and he can create a romantic atmosphere rather effortlessly. Jazz purists may disdain it, but Smooth would please any of the saxist's fans. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

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