In addition to many appearances at jazz clubs and festivals, Albright was a member of the renowned Jazz Explosion tours, which included collaborations with modern jazz luminaries such as Will Downing, Jonathan Butler, Hugh Masekela, Chaka Khan, and Rachelle Ferrell, to mention a few. Gerald Albright has added a TV star to his already impressive CV.
The saxman has appeared on various shows, including "A Different World," "Melrose Place," "Morning News Shows" on Channels 2 and 5, "BET" jazz parts, and piloting a performance in Las Vegas with "Designing Women" star Meshach Taylor. Albright's modern and straight-ahead collections have positioned the guitarist from Los Angeles as one of the most famous musicians.
Albright was, in fact, one of 10 prominent saxophonists that performed during President Clinton's inauguration. He also appeared at the Presidential Summit and a number of private parties for the President. Albright has sold over one million records in the United States alone. He plays bass guitar, keyboards, flutes, drum programming, and backing vocals on his self-produced songs.
Gerald has unquestionably earned the moniker "musician's musician." Albright is a family man in addition to being a musician. He is married to Glynis, his junior high school sweetheart, and they have two children, Selina and Brandon. He is a firm believer in giving back to the community.
He has helped generate funds for the NAACP, the American Cancer Society, and the Institute for Black Parenting. He regularly gives his abilities as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to generate cash to encourage academic achievement around the country. Albright is in a class by himself, whether he's performing modern or straight-ahead jazz.
He is recognized for his quickness on stage, as well as his distinct round sound that is percussive but soulful. He has the capacity to surprise the audience with something unexpected. Albright provides his audience with what they came for: a fantastic performance!
Albright, who was born in Los Angeles, began piano lessons at a young age, despite his lack of enthusiasm for the instrument. When he was handed a saxophone by his piano teacher, his passion of music grew significantly.
It was reinforced further when he attended Locke High School, a breeding place for many young West Coast artists at the time, where his contemporaries included Patrice Rushen and Ndugu. Albright, who was already a skilled saxophonist when he arrived at the University of Redlands, abruptly switched to bass guitar after seeing Louis Johnson perform.
Gerald joined Patrice Rushen's band, which was in the midst of formation, a few months after graduating from college, and played the saxophone. Later, when the bass player quit in the middle of a tour, Albright took over on bass guitar and finished the tour. He frequently played on both instruments from then on.
Albright quickly established himself as a superb sideman with remarkable insight and skill, appearing on records by a diverse range of singers, including Anita Baker, Ray Parker, Lola Folana, Atlantic Starr, Olivia Newton-John, the Temptations, and Maurice White.
He has shared the stage with Les McCann, Rodney Franklin, Jeff Lorber, Teena Marie, the Winans, Marlena Shaw, Debra and Eloise Laws, Quincy Jones, Whitney Houston, Phil Collins, and a slew of other artists. Albright has cemented his place in the music industry as a musician, songwriter, and producer, having released 15 CDs and one collaborative CD.
