Gerald Albright - Sax For Stax (2008)

Before Gerald Albright began charming audiences with the sleek saxophone sound of his crossover jazz albums, he honed his chops as a session player for R&B artists. On 2008’s SAX FOR STAX, Albright returns to his personal and professional roots, offering up tasty interpretations of classic Stax/Volt soul sides. Fans of Albright’s light jazz sound needn’t fear, however; SAX FOR STAX has the sweet, languid feel of his output from the last 30 years. Even smoking, up-tempo numbers like “Knock On Wood” and “Respect Yourself” are rendered with sophistication. Laid back and mellow, Albright’s tribute to Stax is designed to go down smooth.