Geralds Best By Far (NOT Smooth JAZZ) but a must have
11/01/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I think Gerald has the best sounding Alto Sax. With this CD
its PUREEEEEEE sax Baby, not over loaded with smooth sounds and singing like most of his other CD'S. This CD clearly stands out from all the others. It is a bluesy soulful sound of traditional quartet style stuff kicked up a few thousand notches with Gerald's kick ass horn. Funny thing about this Disc, I typically don't like older style traditional stuff but someone told me that I had give this a shot, and thank GOD I did.
Listen to " Georgia on my mind" in its entirety, opp's I forgot you can only sample parts of the songs. Too bad because, as you know most smoking horn solo's don't even start until ½ way through the songs. I have turned so many Jazz fans on to this Disc It's a great departure from typical smooth Jazz where ever artist now sounds the same. GREAT STUFF check it out!
P.S. I wish Gerald would make another CD like this, even though I know he cant top "Live At Birdland West""
Back to the basics...
Walter Edwards | Mt. Vernon, NY United States | 07/29/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Unlike other more "smooth jazz" albums of Albright's, this one is more likely to pique the interest of the jazz purist. This album does contain a ballad or two, and also includes a very soulful, almost gospel tinged version of "Georgia on my Mind." Watch that solo, it is definitely off the charts! The sound quality is very superior as well. While listening to it, you'll forget that it is actually a "Live" album. Whether you're a jazz purist or love the modern sounds of CD 101.9, you have to add this to your jazz collection."
I love this CD
Jazzman | CT USA | 02/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This By Far is Gerald's Best work even though I love Smooth Jazz,
this is a departure that is wonderful. This CD clearly stands out from all the others. It is a bluesy soulful sound of traditional quartet style with Gerald's kick ass horn. Funny thing about this Disc is I typically don't like older style traditional stuff but someone told me that I had give this a shot, and thank GOD I did.
"
It doesn't get much better!
Mr. A. Willmoth -. Riley | Luton, England | 05/31/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I recently purchased the Gerald Albright CD Live at Birdland West. The alto and tenor playing on it is superb. Georgia on my Mind is so soulful and passionate that listening to it made me quite emotional. Not something that happens to me that often when listening to a CD. Some of the intensisty displayed by Gerald's playing is not dissimilar to the playing of David Sanborn. I rate this as one of my top ten CD favourites. Buy it now, you won't be disappointed!"
AMAZING!
D. Collins | Texas, US | 02/21/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Whew! Where to begin? This CD s one of my all-time favorites, not only because of Gerald Albright's amazing playing on it, but also because it gave me an all new respect for his playing ability. If you're only accustomed to his more tame smooth jazz work, consider yourself informed! Gerald tackles some jazz standards with simply amazing results. From the first track, you'll find yourself caught up in Albright's blistering technique and seemingly endless melodic ideas. Only the frst half of the CD is live, but it's great from start to finish. It even features another of my favorite artists, Kirk Whalum, on "Limehouse Blues." Kirk should raise a few eyebrows as well. Back to the album, I really can't say enough about it. This album alone has been a huge influence on my saxophone playing and it never gets old. The crown jewel of this album is undoubetdly "Georgia On My Mind." It makes this album a must-have all by itself. Gerald pulls out all the stops and constructs a gripping solo packed wth emotion and lightning speed. If this one doesn't get your hands and feet tapping, it's time to check your pulse. "C Jamm Blues" never slows down and shows off Gerald's abilty to take a simple head and turn it upside-down. It's easy to hear shades of bop in this one. Not all of the tracks are so fast-paced though. "My One And Only Love" and "Softly At Sunrise" gripping ballads to say the least, especially in the hands of a master saxophonist like Gerald Albright. No collection should be without this CD. I only wish Gerald would release another like it, but I can hardly call that criticism. Run and get this CD if you don't have it already! No collection deserves to be without it.