In August of this year Gerald Albright dropped his latest and much anticipated CD titled Slam Dunk. As is so often the case, Albright not only lived up to expectations but surpassed them — by miles. Albright is currently traveling the country as part of Dave Koz and Friends’ Summer Horns tour (along with Koz, Richard Elliott and Mindi Abair).
Slam Dunk is Albright’s first solo effort since his 2010 Grammy nominated “Pushing The Envelope”; it also marks his 14th studio album. As always, Albright presents a nice blend of up tempo tunes (Slam Dunk, Sparkle In Your Eyes, Split Decision), as well as easy listening tunes (A Man’s World, Because of You,The Gospel).
If your day is off to a slow, lethargic, mundane start, the title cut, “Slam Dunk” will surely provide you with a pick me up. “True Colors”, “Fiesta Interlude” , “Sparkle In Your Eyes”, and “Because of You” would all qualify as songs that are impossible to listen to and NOT tap your feet. Albright’s version of “A Man’s World” would make The Godfather of Soul James Brown proud.
During his early years growing up in South Central Los Angeles, Albright says that he was strongly influenced by both Maceo Parker and saxophone icon Julian “Cannonball” Adderley; if you’re a fan of either, you’ll hear hints of both of them in Albright’s style of play. While I don’t have a crystal ball and can’t predict if “Slam Dunk” will experience the same level of acclaim received by “Pushing The Envelope”, I would strongly recommend it be added to your music collection. Immediately.
It receives a strong, emphatic “thumbs up” from The Peach Review®!
-KJ
TPR