Who could forget the great jazz collaborations between Miles Davis and Gil Evans or Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie? The tradition lives on with the pairing of contemporary jazzmen Gerald Albright and Norman Brown.
It’s a match made in smooth jazz heaven: saxophonist Gerald Albright and guitarist Norman Brown. Their first collaborative effoft,
24/7, features the song “Keep It Moving”.
The duo first met in the 1980s while performing at a jazz club in Redlands, California. Albright, who is 14 years older than Brown, got a head start on his solo recording career, releasing his debut album in 1987. In addition to mastering soprano, alto and baritone saxophones, he is equally skilled on keyboards, flutes, percussion and bass guitar. According to Albright, the title
24/7 springs from their dedication to making music.
“Even when we sleep we’re thinking about melodies, recordings, concerts and whatever we’re going to do next,” he confides.
Albright and Brown join forces on “Yes I Can,” composed by Norman Brown.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Brown’s debut album,
Just Between Us. In 2003, he won a Grammy Award in the Best Pop Instrumental Album category for
Just Chillin’. Brown currently hosts his own weekend radio show on the Smooth Jazz Network. He credits guitarists Jimi Hendrix and George Benson as his two most important musical influences.
In support of
24/7 Albright and Brown have embarked on their Summer Jazz tour, including two jazz festivals in Virginia and a smooth jazz cruise along the Hudson River.