Gerald Albright brings his saxophone and bass mastery to Crazy Uncle Mikes, showcasing the versatility that has defined his career. Raised in Los Angeles, he sharpened his skills early, switched to bass after a pivotal concert by Louis Johnson, and soon after college joined Patrice Rushen’s band. Through the 80s he became a go-to player in the studio and on the road, collaborating with artists such as Anita Baker, Ray Parker Jr., Atlantic Starr, The Temptations, Maurice White, Les McCann, Teena Marie, the Winans, and Whitney Houston.
As a solo artist, he helped shape the smooth jazz landscape with Just Between Us in 1987, followed by radio favorites and spots on ensemble tours like Guitars & Saxes and Groovin’ For Grover. He led a big band and toured with Phil Collins in the late 90s, and partnered with Will Downing on Pleasures of the Night. His albums Pushing The Envelope and Slam Dunk received Grammy nominations, and he scored notable hits with 24/7 alongside Norman Brown and the Dave Koz and Friends project Summer Horns featuring Mindi Abair and Richard Elliot. He has toured with Brown, performed with the Summer Horns lineup, and more recently hit the road with Jonathan Butler. His catalog also includes Smooth, Groovology, Kickin’ It Up, and Sax for Stax.
Moving fluidly between contemporary R&B and urban jazz, Albright shapes performances as musical journeys, shifting through textures, rhythms, and harmonies that reflect his past and point toward what comes next.