Mar, 28, 2017
Yes, I’m sure that many of us knew this was inevitable and were anticipating when Selena Albright, this nightingale daughter of one of the most gifted and personable musicians around today (Gerald Albright) would release her debut album. Well, it’s here – entitled Conversations – and well worth the wait.
With a healthy coating of R&B, the comely vocalist lays into an array of originals and one cover (Beyonce’s “If I Were a Boy”) with the emotion you’d expect from one who grew up watching and listening to her dad tear it up in the studio and live on numerous occasions. With her clever, mature, and classy handling of the material here –which, by the way, fit her strong and becoming voice to a tee – she is practically guaranteed to woo listeners far and wide.
Speaking of clever, her lead track “Eat Something” adds a new dimension to the word “clever.” That’s followed with a number of equally thought-out tracks (complete with lyrics for your perusal, found in the CD insert).
Conversations adds so much color to today’s R&B. There’s intensity with poise and dignity, qualities that I now sense are chief characteristics of the Albright genetic makeup.
Albright gets help from her dad on flute on the track “Let Go” and from guitarist Kay-Ta Matsuno on the lead track, as well as guitarist David P. Stevens on “Wifey Anthem (You Don’t Have to Fight At Home”).
In a nutshell, 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. It does not disappoint. Two thumbs up. – Ronald Jackson
