Gerald Albright
Gerald Albright is an acclaimed American jazz saxophonist known for his contributions to smooth jazz. Born on August 30, 1957, in Los Angeles, California, he has earned two Grammy Awards and multiple nominations over a career spanning decades.
Albright started with piano lessons as a child but found his passion after receiving a saxophone from his piano teacher. He honed his skills at Locke High School and later attended the University of Redlands, earning a business management degree with a music minor while joining the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He briefly played bass guitar, inspired by Louis Johnson, before focusing on saxophone.
Albright launched his solo career in 1987 with the album Just Between Us on Atlantic Records, coinciding with the rise of smooth jazz. He has released over 20 albums, collaborated with artists like Phil Collins, Will Downing, Whitney Houston, and Anita Baker, and joined all-star tours such as Guitars & Saxes. Notable projects include fronting a big band for Collins in the late 1990s and the duet album Pleasures of the Night.
He won Grammys for 24/7 in 2012 and Slam Dunk in 2014, with nominations for New Beginnings (2008) and Sax for Stax (2009). Albright has topped smooth jazz charts, sold over one million albums, and ranked #2 Billboard Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year in 2021. His work extends to over 200 recordings and TV appearances on shows like A Different World and Melrose Place.
Married to Glynis since December 21, 1981, Albright has two children. He runs his own label, Bright Music Incorporated, and continues performing as of 2025. Albright continues releasing music through Bright Music, with recent activity in 2025 tours and singles.
Bermuda Nights
Bass – Sam Sims
Drum Programming, Synthesizer, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Donnell Spencer, Jr.
Synthesizer, Backing Vocals – Chuckii Booker
Written-By – Donnell Spencer, Jr.
Written-By, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Backing Vocals – Gerald Albright 5:04
2 In The Mood
Alto Saxophone, Bass – Gerald Albright
Backing Vocals – Mark Philpart
Drums – Harvey Mason
Electric Piano [Rhodes], Piano – Rodney Franklin
Flugelhorn – Ray Brown (2)
Synthesizer – Chuckii Booker
Written-By – Babyface, Daryl Simmons 5:50
3 Bermuda Nights
Guitar – Paul Jackson
Synthesizer – Chuckii Booker
Written-By, Alto Saxophone, Bass, Keyboards, Drum Programming – Gerald Albright 5:50
4 The Hook
Written-By, Alto Saxophone, Flute, Bass, Synthesizer – Gerald Albright
Written-By, Synthesizer – Chuckii Booker 5:35
5 Feeling Inside
Drums – Tony Lewis
Piano, Synthesizer – Bobby Lyle
Tenor Saxophone, Bass, Tambourine – Gerald Albright
Written-By – Bobby Lyle 6:35
Label: Atlantic – 81919-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Jazz
Style: Smooth Jazz
Gerald Albright's Bermuda Nights, his 1988 debut album on Atlantic Records, is a smooth, contemporary jazz/new age record defined by his soulful saxophone, blending funky pop with island vibes, featuring iconic tracks like the title song and "The Hook," showcasing his signature sound with great session players and establishing him as a leading voice in instrumental pop fusion.
Described as "satiny, contemporary pop fusion," it features smooth, easy-listening melodies perfect for relaxing, with a unique funky flavor.
Dominated by Albright's saxophone, it incorporates keyboards (Chuckii Booker), drums (Harvey Mason Sr.), and guitar (Paul Jackson Jr.), creating a rich, layered sound.
Captures the essence of island life, offering a soulful and pleasurable musical journey. Notable Tracks include the popular title track "Bermuda Nights" and "The Hook," which became signature songs.
Bermuda Nights served as a significant debut, showcasing Albright's distinct style and talent as both artist and producer, making it a must-have for fans of smooth saxophone music.
Dream Come True
Alto Saxophone, Bass Guitar, Arranged By – Gerald Albright
Backing Vocals – Angel Rogers, Mark Philpart, Phyllis St. James
Drums, Arranged By – Donnell Spencer, Jr.
Piano [Acoustic], Synth, Arranged By – Patrick Moten
Synth, Arranged By – Derek Nakamoto
Written-By – Babyface, Daryl Simmons
5:08
2 Front Street
Alto Saxophone – Gerald Albright
Synth, Drum Programming – Chuckii Booker
Written-By – Chuckii Booker, Gerald Albright
5:10
3 Say Yes
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar – Paul Jackson
Backing Vocals – Angel Rogers, Mark Philpart
Drums – Chuck Morris
Keyboards – Derek Nakamoto
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Soprano Saxophone, Synth, Bass Guitar – Gerald Albright
Written-By – Gerald Albright
4:30
4 Desire
Alto Saxophone – Gerald Albright
Keyboards [Additional] – Monty Seward
Keyboards, Lead Guitar, Drum Programming – Derek Bramble
Written-By – Derek Bramble, Jeff Patterson, Simon Hale
4:57
5 Sweet Dreams
Drums – Tony Lewis
Guitar – Paul Jackson
Percussion – Luis Conte
Synth – Derek Nakamoto
Tenor Saxophone, Bass Guitar, Synth – Gerald Albright
Written-By – Gerald Albright
4:59
6 Kickin' It
Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Saxophone [Pads], Vocals, Arranged By – Gerald Albright
Synth, Drum Programming, Arranged By – Chuckii Booker
Written-By – Gerald Albright
4:25
7 Dream Come True
Alto Saxophone, Bass Guitar – Gerald Albright
Backing Vocals – Angel Rogers, Mark Philpart
Drums – Chuck Morris
Guitar – Paul Jackson
Percussion – Luis Conte
Written-By – Gerald Albright
6:06
8 Can't You Feel
Synth, Drum Programming, Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals – Chuckii Booker
Tenor Saxophone – Gerald Albright
Written-By – Chuckii Booker
4:55
9 Come A Little Closer
Alto Saxophone, Synth – Gerald Albright
Backing Vocals – Angel Rogers, Mark Philpart
Keyboards, Drum Programming – Chuckii Booker
Piano [Acoustic] – Patrick Moten
Written-By – Gerald Albright
5:28
10 Growing With Each Other
Alto Saxophone – Gerald Albright
Choir – Billie Barnum, Clydene Jackson, Dorian Holley, Edna Perry-Wright, Kathy Hazard, Linda McCrary, Maxi Anderson, Perry Morgan, Phyllis St. James, Ricky Nelson, Sam McCrary, Terry Young, Tony Warren, Vonciele Faggett, Yvonne Williams
Featuring, Lead Vocals – Bebe Winans
Guitar – Paul Jackson
Piano [Acoustic], Synth – Chuckii Booker
Written-By – Gerald Albright
4:19
Label: Atlantic – 7567-82087-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: Europe
Released: 1990
Genre: Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Smooth Jazz, New Jack Swing, Soul-Jazz