Perhaps a
five track debut EP that boasts four original self-penned compositions, one
killer cover and guest performances from both Gerald Albright and Brian
Culbertson would in normal circumstances be regarded as something out of the
ordinary. However, when the EP is from R
& B superstar in the making Selina Albright the weight of expectation is
understandably huge. This is not only
because she happens to be Gerald’s daughter but also reflects the fact that for
most of this year Selina has been tearing it up as an integral member of
Culbertson’s touring band.
Yet no matter what the expectation was, or is, ‘Brighter’ by Selina Albright is a sensational collection that marks her out as one of the brightest new stars in that crossover galaxy somewhere between contemporary jazz and R & B.
Take for
example her picture perfect re-imagining of Erykah Badu’s controversial 2000
hit ‘Didn’t Cha Know’ that Selina
totally hits out of the park. Badu’s
recording was controversial in that it heavily sampled (without permission)
Tarika Blue’s 1976 instrumental, ‘Dreamflower’. Although a lawsuit ensued the matter was
eventually settled out of court.
Fortunately,
built solidly as it is on four brilliant new tunes, ‘Brighter’ is destined to be way less contentious. The jazzy gospel tinged ‘How Do You Love Me’ dazzles like light on water while the mid tempo
‘Don’t Shake It Up’ proves to be the
perfect vehicle with which to show off her soulful tones.
The EP’s most energetic song is ‘Why Does Life’ where Culbertson weighs in on keys, bass and additional drums yet the standout track by some distance is the incredible title cut that has soul to burn and handsome featured sax by Albright Sr. Captured in a single take, smooth R & B really doesn’t get better than this.