Multi-format radio play, favorable
reviews and a busy concert calendar boost the R&B-jazz singer’s debut
album.
It is
mid-September yet R&B-jazz singer Selina Albright has already booked her
holiday season travel plans thanks in part to a pair of buzzworthy singles at
multiple radio formats along with enthusiastic reviews for her debut album,
“Conversations,” which was issued on the Golden Rays Music label. Albright was
invited to embark upon a 24-city U.S. concert tour as the featured vocalist on
the Dave Koz 20th Anniversary Christmas Tour during which the smooth soul
singer will share the spotlight with the charismatic saxophonist and his fellow
contemporary jazz luminaries David Benoit, Rick Braun and Peter White. The tour
kicks off November 24 in Atlanta and wraps December 23 in Cerritos,
California.
Even before “Conversations” dropped,
Albright, who co-produced three songs and wrote the album’s candid and
confessional lyrics that she describes as “like my own therapeutic diary,”
captured attention and charted at smooth jazz outlets globally with the lead
single, “Eat Something,” an empowering mid-tempo R&B ode to self-love that
celebrates comfort and security in a romantic relationship by packing on a few
pounds. The song, bolstered by slick guitar licks from Kay-Ta Matsuno,
immediately connects with listeners – especially women – who called radio
stations to request the cut that premiered nationally on SiriusXM Watercolors’
Dave Koz Lounge. “Eat Something” has now crossed over to urban adult
contemporary (UAC) radio - including at SiriusXM’s UAC programming – and is
gobbling up airplay.
While the first single continues
its chart ascent at UAC radio, smooth jazz programmers have embraced the
follow-up, “Possible,” another affirmation of self-acceptance. Albright
explains, “I wrote ‘Possible’ with hope of finding that one person who would
make me feel loved and accepted just as I am. Now that I’m married to that
person, I've found that it’s equally important - if not most important - to
accept myself. That’s when the light bulb truly came on for me! My heart and
mind opened to new possibilities, and I was able to experience the freedom and
fearlessness I was put on this earth to achieve. I believe we all have to peel
our own layers of doubt away and be true to ourselves in order to live our
lives to the fullest. This is why the (accompanying) music is minimal for much
of the song. I needed the focus to be on the message so that listeners could
celebrate - not suppress - their zest for life.”
The daughter of multiple Grammy
nominee and contemporary jazz sax titan Gerald Albright, Selina grew up in the
company of her father’s colleagues, but has relied on the power and grace of
her vocal gifts to pave her own way. For more than a decade, she has toured and
recorded with a wide array of notables in jazz, R&B and EDM. In recent years,
she’s been featured on Benoit’s A Charlie Brown Christmas Tour and is fond of
touring during the holiday season.
"I really love touring during
Christmas because I see nothing but smiles from the stage. It's as if barriers
can finally come down for the season, and we can all relax and focus on what's
important: friends, family, love and music!” said the radiant and shapely
Albright, who continues her Conversations Tour until the Christmas tour
commences. "Dave Koz, Peter White, Rick Braun and David Benoit have been
part of my adoptive musical family for years. So for me, the Koz Christmas Tour
will be a special reunion when we can celebrate each other's talents while on
stage together. This is one tour that I know the people will feel the joy and
love in the music! And, of course, music aside, the food enthusiast in me
cannot wait to enjoy the local cuisine in each city we visit."
“Conversations” was produced by
Chris “Big Dog” Davis, James “JRob” Roberson and Albright, and contains
performances by Gerald Albright, White, Matsuno, Randy Ellis and David P.
Stevens. Below are excerpts from a sampling of album reviews:
“One of the brightest new stars in
that crossover galaxy somewhere between contemporary jazz and R&B.” –
Smooth Jazz Therapy
“Selina blossoms fully as a
transcendently soulful, urban jazz/R&B singer-songwriter.” – SmoothJazz.com
“Albright brings her brand of
fiery, soul-reaching music right to where you live, keeping you riveted to her
charm. This is her debut album, but those of us who’ve witnessed her live knew
what to expect when she finally unleashed this beauty.” – The Smooth Jazz Ride
“Albright channels her R&B
side that shares her heart on both sleeves. Backed by production from James
Roberson and Chris ‘Big Dog’ Davis, Albright’s flexible pipes and songwriting
unquestionably steals the spotlight.” – The Urban Music Scene
“Selina delivers her own
therapeutic diary, in a soft soul and sultry jazz setting.”- Keys & Chords
“Selina pushes the envelope in R
and B with a stylish nod to jazz with a really identifiable vocal sound.” – The
Hollywood Times
For more information, including a
complete concert itinerary, please visit www.SelinaAlbright.com.
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