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Carol Albert

After paving the way with a handful of popular radio singles over the past year, Billboard Artist, Carol Albert brings out a full array of rich jazz and global fusion artistry on her unique concept album FLY AWAY BUTTERFLY. The versatile Atlanta-based composer, keyboardist and vocalist takes the listener on deeply soulful, exotic journey that artfully blends spirited, jazzy piano melodies, dreamy vocals, punchy percussion textures and hypnotic ambiences featuring the soaring, inspirational twist on Al Jarreau’s classic song “One Way," a contemporary homage to one of her jazz heroes offering up the powerhouse saxophone of Sam Skelton. FLY AWAY BUTTERFLY will take your musical imagination to many beautiful destinations!.

A rural town like Hiram, Georgia may not seem a likely start or an international recording artist, but that is exactly where Carol Albert's music talent emerged. In early childhood, Carol loved nothing better than to share the piano bench with her beloved grandmother. "My grandmother lost an arm to cancer, so she played the bass with her left hand and taught me to play the treble with my right. She also composed songs in her sleep and taught them to me. In sharing her melodies, my grandmother imparted her love for me as well as her love of music." As her music appreciation grew, so did Carol's aptitude for classical piano. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree from Georgia State University, and then embarked on a career in which she has left her mark nationally and internationally.

Internationally, Carol has toured four separate times in Europe, performing in Sweden, Germany, France, England, Ireland and Spain. Her CD's have also been quite popular overseas. Innovative Communications, her German Record Label, named Carol's Tides of Change among their "Best of Instrumental Music." Along with Tides of Change, Carol has produced four other CDs: Love In Your Eyes, Christmas Impressions, Morning Music and Night Music. Her works showcase original compositions along with Carol's interpretations of selected popular music.

Carol's many performance venues have been in cities across the US; San Francisco, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia. Carol has provided entertainment for a variety of trade shows, corporations, organizations and public venues. Carol performed at the US Cable & Film Convention in Atlanta, NARM Convention in San Francisco and Southern Gardening Association Convention. Additionally, Carol has performed for numerous corporations such as the Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National, Olympics Hospitality Suite for Nations Band/German House, Arthur Anderson, AT&T, BellSouth Cellular, Coca-Cola Executives, Dean Witter, Dow Chemical, Georgia Baptist Hospital, Hilton Managers Association, IBM, NASCAR Association, Motorola, ReMax Associates, Southern Nursing Association and SuperValue to name a few. Private organizations have hired her to perform for such events as Party honoring Henry Kissinger and Party for Muhammed Ali. A small sampling of her appearances in her home city of Atlanta, GA includes the JW Marriott, Marriott Marquis, Four Seasons, Capital City Country Club, Country Club of the South, Garbo's, Peachtree Plaza, Banks and Shane and SwissHotel. Additionally, Carol has enhanced the mood at weddings and other momentous occasions as well.

Carol Albert: Going for the Finish Line

by Kathy Sanborn
September 11, 2016

The new single release by Carol Albert, “Mas Que Nada," has achieved critical acclaim. The recent Global Peace Song Award winner says a jazz musician is like a marathon runner who needs to stay the course in order to win. Here she chats about her own musical path to success, and offers readers tips on how to elevate their own jazz journeys. All About Jazz: Please tell us how you decided to record your very engaging “Mas ...

Recording

Fly Away Butterfly, New Album by Carol Albert

Source: Carol Albert
July 7, 2017

Reviewed by Kabir Sehgal, New York Times bestselling author and Multi-Grammy Award winning producer Every so often, an artist comes along that makes you reimagine the possibilities of music. With Fly Away Butterfly  Album, Carol Albert delivers a seminal and sizzling contribution to the artistic sphere, blending lively melodies with thoughtful and refined arrangements. Every song presents not just different sounds but soundscapes in which Carol invites us to inhabit and explore. But this album is also one of healing, ...
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Recording

Composer/Keyboardist Carol Albert Keeps Her Career Momentum And Positive Vibes Flowing On A Vibrant Re-imagining Of The Al Jarreau Classic “one Way”

Source: Carol Albert
June 15, 2017

By Jonathan Widran, Music Connection and Jazziz Magazine A few months after energizing smooth jazz radio with her vibrant, optimistic early 2017 single “On My Way,” Atlanta based composer, keyboardist and vocalist Carol Albert keeps the positive, optimistic vibes and the momentum flowing with her fresh and vibrant re- imagining of legendary singer Al Jarreau’s classic “One Way.” The soulfully exotic, high energy piano driven tune, which evolves from gently seductive opening verses into a spirited, intensely grooving ensemble jam, ...
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Recording

New Single "On My Way" From Keyboardist Carol Albert

Source: Carol Albert
February 1, 2017

By Allen Kepler and Jonathan Widran, Smooth Jazz Network We had a chance to preview Carol Albert's new single “On My Way" today and we love it! Listen for the debut of Carol's fresh new tune soon on the SJN! We asked Carol about the new single; “I originally wrote ‘On My Way” for an earlier project as a song of hope and optimism. I wanted to remake the song in a unique way that reflected that same positivity for ...
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Music Industry

Keyboardist And Vocalist Carol Albert Follows Her Radio Hit "Mas Que Nada” With A Burst Of Optimism On Her Latest Single "On My Way”

Source: Carol Albert
January 13, 2017

After lighting up radio in the summer and fall of 2016—and celebrating the Rio Olympics- with her fresh and exotic contemporary re-imagining of the Brazilian classic “Mas Que Nada," veteran composer, pianist and keyboardist Carol Albert launches into 2017 with a burst of infectious, high energy optimism on her latest single, “On My Way." Set for release February 1, the percussive, horn-drenched track features Carol’s vibrant vocals conveying words which make this a much needed anthem for our times: “On ...
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Carol Albert enchanting jazz singer Carol Albert – FLY AWAY BUTTERFLY: Carol is one of the most enchanting singers I’ve heard in a long time, and there’s a decided plus, in that she plays piano with some of the highest creative energy on the scene today. I recently did a video critique of her work, and you’ll see how professional her standards are there. On the album, high-spirit tunes like “On My Way” convey the kind of joy the world needs more & more of today… a SUPERB song, full of life!

The promo sheets explain that after Carol lost her husband (2014), she turned back to composing, so the music is automatically in the healing zone… don’t take that the wrong way, though… this isn’t “down, sad” music – not at ALL! You’ll hear how her spirit has been replenished as you listen to the wonderful “Transition“, where she clearly paints sonic cascades abundant with the joy of entry into new worlds… a MOST impressive song that gets constant play on my iPhone… I just LOVE this piece.

Though “Across the Sky” starts out with a decidedly jazz solo (think Coltrane), Carol’s vocal easily transports you into a zone where memories become reality – in a good way… some fine, FINE guitar work compliments the saxophone right at about the 2:10 mark, as well. A truly inspiring piece of music that everyone will enjoy!

One of the longer pieces (5:24), “Never Thought It Would Be This Way“, will surface memories both sad and full of the joy of living… it was an easy pick for my personal favorite of the ten offered up. I give Carol a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this “must-have” CD! Get more information about this fascinating player/singer on Carol’s website. Rotcod Zzaj Contemporary Fusion Review CD Review: albert-singer-mas-que-nada- carol-albert-mas-que-nadamore- anyone/" http://contemporaryfusionreviews .com/carol- albert-singer-mas-que-nada- carol-albert-mas-que-nadamore- anyone/ Carol Albert enchanting jazz singer Carol Albert – Fly Away Butterfly Dick Metcalf, editor, Contemporary Fusion Reviews August 9, 2017

CAROL ALBERT/Fly Away Butterfly: Midwest Record Review http://www.midwestrecord.com/ MWR1253.html In the 70s, the gals were doing a subgenre known as divorcee rock. That seems to have mutated in the 10s to healing music, a combination of jazz, world and spirituality that seems to be the soundtrack for recovery of various sorts whether from addiction, loss, upheaval—-or divorce. Albert is rejuvenating from loss and letting it lead her to rebirth. Enlisting one of the great secret weapons of our times, Trammell Starks to help her on her journey, this is almost like next gen-nu new age as it comes out of the gate. An experienced performer coming back into the light, this is no mere well intentioned effort by a bored wannabe looking for an outlet, this is the kind of alt.adult listening that turns heads and ears. A deep, personal set that grabs your attention and holds on tight. Well done.

– Fly Away Butterfly

July 25, 2017 Ahh, we are again treated to the wholesome, all-embracing musical charm of the lovely vocalist/pianist/composer Carol Albert who has reemerged with her at once enticing and alluring offerings here on Fly Away Butterfly, an album of intensely satisfying melodies and lyrical colors. The mesmerizing seduction of this music starts at track one (the title track) and never lets up as she takes you by the hand and leads you along this plush horizon of musical bliss with delicate caresses and high-spirited exoticism and finger-poppin’ grooves like that heard on her covers of the late Al Jarreau’s “One Way” and the classic “Mas Que Nada.” Aside from “Mas Que Nada” and “One Way,” Albert has penned all of this well-produced material, and it’s obvious that she poured her very essence into the work. One should be warned of the inescapability of the appeal and mystique of this material. This is beauty alive and personified throughout. Along with the lead and title track, there’s the exotic sway of such catchy tunes as “Awakening” and “Across the Sky,” the funky bounciness of “On My Way,” the beauty and intriguing play on moods found on “Chasing Waterfalls” which leads off in a rather sweet and sedate fashion and later ushers in a spirited crescendo, and the resoundingly comely track “Never Thought It Would Be This Way.” To sum it up, this album truly defines delicate, refined, and class, and tosses in a track of feel-good funk for good measure. It’s quality belonging in the bright spotlight of this genre. Experience its attraction, and bathe in it with unabashed abandon. It calls for it. – Ronald Jackson

While her eclectic career and compositional magnificence as a recording artist and international performer has inspired fans throughout the world for years, Carol Albert is emerging now as an essential artist of our time because she dares – on her current single “On My Way” – to hope and inspire in an age where it’s easy to become pessimistic. Perhaps the most amazing thing about her uplifting, passionately jazzy and percussive anthem is that she wrote it long before we collectively needed it at this moment. With its sassy horns (arranged by co-producer Trammel Starks), playful melody and exotic rhythms, she’s also able to extend the pop-jazz meets world music vibe of her Brazilian tinged 2016 airplay sensation “Mas Que Nada.” Even if the words she sang weren’t so inspiring and necessary, it’s also great to hear her soaring, sensual vocals, both wordless and not – which are as inviting as her piano and synth melodies and bright improvisational runs. Full of joy, celebration and positive thinking and energy, “On My Way” is the perfect track to clean the slate and start the New Year fresh and looking up. – Jonathan Widran, Music Connection and Jazziz Magazine By Scott Yanow, author of 11 books including The Great Jazz Guitarists, The Jazz Singers, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76 "Christmas Mystique lives up to its title, a set full of subtle creativity and quiet but often stirring interpretations of music related to the holiday season. Carol Albert’s CD is well worth several listens."

By Ricky Kej on August 11, 2016

I found this Album extremely easy and peaceful to listen to. Bringing all the favorite Christmas Hymns to life, the vocals are lovely and soothing throughout. I particularly found ‘Christmas without You’ very very moving. The Spanish guitar through the track is absolutely fantastic as is the vocals. ‘Dreamer’ has true dream like qualities. The spoken words, piano and flute all merge beautifully to create the perfect ambiance. The unusual opening instrumental riff in ‘Come Emmanuel’ lends itself perfectly to this mesmerizing track. The old favorites ‘Deck the Halls’ and ‘Silent Night’ bring the solemnity and piety among the holiday cheer…..loved them!This is overall a beautiful and extremely well-produced and unique album that will definitely be on my oft-played list :-) :-) :-)

Carol Albert has enjoyed a fascinating, diverse career as a performer and recording artist, inspiring fans throughout the world with her brilliant piano and keyboard driven compositional magic. Her welcome, highly anticipated expansion into world music via this dynamic romp through “Mas Que Nada” so exciting is not merely the fact that she’s sharing the scope of her passions with us. It’s that, on this grooving, infectious samba, we get to hear her lush, sensual vocals – which are every bit as beautiful and inviting as her ivory and synth work. She and her co- producer Trammel Starks could have whipped this up using technology – but wisely chose instead the powerful authenticity and exotic joy that could only happen working with top Brazilian musicians. Hearing the explosive ‘party section’ of Carol’s arrangement just adds to the boisterous, high energy fun that makes this THE perfect celebratory anthem for Summer 2016 and an ideal way to get us in the spirit of the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio. – Jonathan Widran, Music Connection and Jazziz Magazine

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