24/7

Audio Mixers: Don Murray ; Michael Blum.
Recording information: 2nd Bedroom Studios, Atlanta, GA; Ahhsum Studios, West Covina, CA; Bright Music Studios, Castle Rock, CO; CCI Media, Torrance, CA; Gitt Traxx Studios, Atlanta, GA; In Your Ear Studios; jLaj-Muzic Studios, Fredericksburg, VA; Permanent Studios, Sherman Oaks, CA; Reseource Studio, West Covina, CA; Titan Sound, Sherman Oaks, CA.
Photographer: Lori Stoll.
Released in 2012, 24/7 features the smooth jazz super-duo of guitarist Norman Brown and saxophonist Gerald Albright. Two of the biggest names in contemporary instrumental pop, Brown and Albright are a perfect pair to team up and 24/7 makes the most of their talents. Sounding slick but never too slick, the album features stylish production by both artists along with keyboardist Herman Jackson. Brown and Albright primarily stick to the more soulful contemporary R&B end of smooth jazz here, and cuts such as the bright and melodic leadoff cut "In the Moment," the cinematic "Perfect Love," and the sensuous title track -- featuring vocals by Gerald's daughter Selina Albright -- are finger-snapping, head-bobbing numbers that set a romantic, positive-minded mood. Elsewhere, we get the Brazilian funk of "Buenos Amigos," the club-ready "Yes I Can," and the old-school R&B of "Champagne Life," once again featuring the attractive, sweetly soulful vocals of the younger Albright. More than a few cuts on 24/7 have an old-school vibe that, while never getting too deep into any decade-specific production, do evince a clear passion for various R&B sounds from the '70s through the '90s. For longtime fans of either of these contemporary jazz titans, 24/7 will certainly be a round-the-clock pleasure. ~ Matt Collar