Gerald Albright's 14th career album, 2014's
Slam Dunk, once again showcases the veteran saxophonist's funky take on smooth jazz and instrumental R&B. The album is
Albright's first actual solo release since 2010's
Pushing the Envelope. It also comes on the heels of his 2012 collaboration with guitarist
Norman Brown, 24/7. As with those and other past
Albright releases,
Slam Dunk is a highly dynamic album with tracks that run the gamut from kinetic, finger-snapping funk ("Slam Dunk") to atmospheric, sensual slow jams ("Because of You") to layered, Latin-inflected numbers ("Fiesta Interlude").
Albright also makes room for a few well-chosen covers in
James Brown's "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" and the
Cyndi Lauper '80s classic "True Colors." Similarly engaging are such cuts as the
George Duke-inspired midtempo groover "The Duke," the evocative
Peabo Bryson vocal feature "Where Did We Go Wrong?," and the uplifting album closer "Gospel." Instrumentally,
Slam Dunk shines a spotlight on
Albright's generous musical ability, and many of the tracks here feature multi-tracked saxophone intros (all played by
Albright). Of course, the main draw with
Albright is his soulful improvisation, and of that,
Slam Dunk has plenty. Ultimately,
Slam Dunk might not be a game-changer for
Albright, but for longtime fans looking for an album that delivers on his urbane, sophisticated smooth jazz sound, it's a sure thing. ~ Matt Collar