 Verve
Records, 2002
In this “cover” era for so many Smooth
Jazz artists, it is refreshing to pull out a CD with so many
original pieces. Gerald Albright
wrote or co-wrote six of the ten tracks for this CD. Each
track showcases Albright’s talent as a performer (sax,
keyboard and bass guitar), producer, mixer and collector of greatly
talented people to collaborate with. This is an uplifting
album with positive messages and love throughout.
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“Old School Jam” has a great
hook and is a great platform for Albright’s virtuosity.
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“Groovology,” the title track has a complex groove
that just will not quit. Hit replay, you will be
glad you did!
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“Bring a Li’l Love” features vocal by Greg
Curtis and Chris Walker and backup. It is a smooth
love song.
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“Ain’t no stoppin’” is
an upbeat number with Lorber (co-writer) on keyboards.
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“Change the World,” a song made famous by Eric
Clapton, is by Gordon Kennedy, Wayne Kirkpatrick and Tommy
Sims. I am a sucker for a great cord progression and
this number has a fabulous bass/rhythm guitar continuo. The
vocal by “Mano” Hanes is simple and encouraging.
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“I Will Always Love You” should be heard with
your spouse. Albright carries the song with the great
improvisations on the Alto.
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“The Next Level” has another great groove going,
with enough variety to keep you guessing through the whole
song. There is especially fun keyboard programming;
thanks to GA and Bobby Lyle.
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“I Need You” by Chuck Cymone and Terrell Carter
Features Carter’s vocal talents. It has a classic
R&B sound.
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“Don’t Hold Back” is back to the upbeat
groove and GA’s sax antics that MAKE this CD.
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“We Fall Down” by Kyle Matthews is a quiet encouragement
to overcome life’s failures. ‘A saint
is just a sinner who fell down, and got up.’
- Randall Ware
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