Gerald Albright SAX FOR STAX

Personnel: Gerald Albright (flute, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, bass guitar, percussion, programming); Philip Bailey, Will Downing (vocals); Rick Watford (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Darrell Crooks, Errol Cooney (guitar); Mark Cargill (strings); Kirk Whalum (tenor saxophone); Arlington "Ollie" Jones, Rex Rideout, Tracy Carter (keyboards); Teddy Campbell (drums); Lenny Castro (percussion); Selina Albright, Mabvuto Carpenter (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Don Murray .
Recording information: Bright Music Studio; Castle Oaks Productions; CCI Media; KAR Studios; The Green Room, Los Angeles, CA.
Author: George Duke.
Photographer: Carl Studna.
Arrangers: Gerald Albright; Rex Rideout.
Before Gerald Albright began charming audiences with the sleek saxophone sound of his crossover jazz albums, he honed his chops as a session player for R&B artists. On 2008's SAX FOR STAX, Albright returns to his personal and professional roots, offering up tasty interpretations of classic Stax/Volt soul sides.
Fans of Albright's light jazz sound needn't fear, however; SAX FOR STAX has the sweet, languid feel of his output from the last 30 years. Even smoking, up-tempo numbers like "Knock On Wood" and "Respect Yourself" are rendered with sophistication. Laid back and mellow, Albright's tribute to Stax is designed to go down smooth.

• Format: CD
• Genre: Pop