Track Listing

1. 4 on the Floor
2. To the Max
3. Why Georgia?
4. Walker's Theme
5. Condition of My Heart
6. Throw Yo' Hands (In the Air)
7. Father's Lullaby
8. On the One
9. Kickin' It Up - Gerald Albright
10. If You Don't Know Me By Now - Gerald Albright

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #133475 in Music
• Released on: 2004-06-08
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .22 pounds

Album Description
Japanese pressing of the jazz/r&b saxophonist's 2004 album includes one bonus track 'I Do Love You'. Universal.

Amazon.com
Seventies jazz/funk fusion pioneer Jeff Lorber has hooked up with Albright for half of these tracks; that's appropriate because Albright's sound has a direct lineage from the past. He is the leading light continuing down the path blazed by Hank Crawford, King Curtis, and David Sanborn. Highlights here are the driving, hard-hitting tunes Lorber and Albright have produced together. The funkiest of the lot are "On the One," "Throw Yo' Hands," and "To the Max." Albright also displays the influence of Motown sax star Jr. Walker with "Walker's Theme." Like Walker, who covered acts ranging from the Guess Who to the Crusaders, Albright is very clever in his cover choices, with interpretations of the music of Harold Melvin, Brian McKnight, and a very interesting version of John Mayer's "Why Georgia," featuring Peter White. This is Albright's best effort in a decade. --Mark Ruffin

Customer Reviews

Much, Much Better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I first listened to this CD on my work sound system which does not do it justice. I was only mildly impressed and was preparing to submit a scathing review with the main focus being "mediocrity at its best."

But then I took it home and put it on a real sound system.
VOILA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

While I still contend that Gerald is infinitely more viable as a premiere session man than a solo artist, this second outing with GRP is far superior to "Groovology;" the former project seemed to be a classic example of an artist suffering from musician's block. "Kickin' It" is the exact opposite - with help from the likes of Jeff Lorber and George Duke, it appears creativity was at an all-time high with the end result being a wonderful project that you will enjoy over and over again. The arrangements are tight with fresh interpretations, a nice ode to Jr. Walker and some oh so nice tunes in collaboration with Lorber.

Quite honestly, I haven't been this impressed with a Gerald Albright project in quite a whie. It appears he is finally hittinhg his stride and I could not be more pleased.

Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice, Gerald!!!!

Only good things to say about this CD
I first saw Gerald Albright perform to stunning effect in Anita Baker's touring band many years ago now and thought he'd be a top seller when he released his own records, so I've sort of followed his releases buying most of them along the way. Despite some highs So Amazing and My, My, My (OK both covers) were great as was Groovology (check out We Fall Down) but honestly I felt his previous offerings had been a bit patchy. This release however certainly has much more depth and consistency and is hard to justify removing from the CD player as it's so easy on the ear. This set sees Gerald into more mainstream smooth jazz territory but he's managed to retain variety as he mixes funky uptempo tunes with some interesting covers and a very solid support crew. I particularly like the way he almost respectfully complements but never over powers the melodies. I'm not sure it will get the attention it deserves but it's definately worth a try and could easily become a slow sales burner.

YEEEE-OOWWW, This thing is HOT and TASTEY!!!!
Quite frequently, I buy albums and only one song is worth listening to... This is most certainly not the case here. I loved nearly the entire album, especially numbers 1 and 2 cuts. If these don't get you up and into a thumping Jazz trance, well you're dead. I have liked Albright in the past, but I feel this time he's really created a masterpiece. As stated earlier, this one is H-O-T!!