Gerald Albright Cancels National Anthem Gig After Mother Dies

Our thoughts are with saxophonist Gerald Albright as his mother, Mattie Pearl Albright, died March 18 at East Texas Medical Center in Tyler, Texas. Mrs. Albright, who was 88, was married to the late William Dudley Albright, who died in September of 2003.

Albright, whose latest album called New Beginnings will be released on March 28, was scheduled to perform the National Anthem on March 25 for the Colorado Crush Arena Football League team at the Pepsi Center in Denver, but has of course cancelled the performance.

He will, however, peform the National Anthem on April 17 before a Denver Nuggets baskeball game. Albright, who lives in Castle Rock, Colorado, is in Texas for his mother’s funeral service scheduled March 25 at Frankston High School in Frankston, Texas.

Albrigth is asking those who would like to make a donation in Mattie Albright’s name to send them to Top Ladies Of Distinction Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 4459, Tyler, TX 75712.

Pamela Williams Takes Bold Step With New CD

On her upcoming album called Elixer, which will be released next week, smooth jazz saxophonist Pamela Williams thanks her domestic partner Precious for her support throughout the years. Williams decided that with her sixth album – she debuted 10 years ago with Saxtress – that it was time to announce that she is gay.

Williams calls Elixer her coming-out CD and, although it’s a scary step for her, she’s glad to finally let the truth be known.

"I think it’s always something that’s very scary to do because, of course, as an entertainer you don’t want to alienate anybody," says Williams, who recently moved from Southern California's High Desert to Atlanta. "But it’s just at a point in my life I just kind of wanted everybody to really know who I really am. And I think that that’s not the biggest part of who you are. It’s a little part, but it’s important I think to be honest. And it does feel like a weight has lifted off of you, because you really don’t have to pretend or lie about who you really are. So for me I think it’s important for people to be who they are and be proud of it."

Elixer features 10 songs with titles such as “Positive Vibe,” “A Jam for Pam,” “Forbidden Fruit” and “Rejuvenation.” The CD will be released March 21 by Shanachie, which on the same day will offer a DVD of Williams in concert called A Night With the Saxtress.

Craig Chaquico Auctioning Guitar For Son's School

How would you like to have a guitar owned by Smooth Jazz guitarist Craig Chaquico? The chance is now yours, courtesy of eBay, but you’ll have to be ready with some cash.

Chaquico is now offering his one of the many guitars he owns up for bid, with the proceeds benefiting his son’s school in Ashland, Ore. The guitar is a Washburn EA-26 acoustic/electric that was actually used in several recording sessions in his home studio for some of his solo CDs. It offers mahogany sides and back, a spruce top, rosewood fingerboard with mother-of-pearl eagle inlays, a pickup and many other features. Also included is a new hard shell case plus spare strings, personalized vintage Craig Chaquico picks and a strap.

The wining bidder also has the option of Craig personally signing the guitar. Bidding ends on March 13.

Movie World Turns Eyes To Mindi Abair After Oscars

On March 5, the elite of Hollywood will be entertained by smooth jazz saxophonist Mindi Abair, who will be performing at this year's Academy Awards official after-party known as the Governors Ball.

"Now for the important part," Abair says. "I'm wearing a very cool Sheri Bodell dress. It might take the Oscars to get me into a dress, but if I'm doing it, I'm going for it!"

Abair will perform for the likes of Charlize Theron, Steven Spielberg, George Clooney, Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix, all nominated for Oscars. More than 1,500 movie stars, producers, directors and friends and family are expected to show up at the grand party, held at the Hollywood & Highland entertainment complex.

Abair's band features Jay Gore on guitar, Andre Berry on bass, Jamey Tate on drums and Rodney Lee on keyboards. Among the 10 songs she will perform in her one-hour set are “Flirt,” “Lucy’s,” “Come As You Are,” “Every Time” and “Ordinary Love” from her upcoming CD called Life Less Ordinary, which will be released May 2.

If you're a movie star lucky enough to catch Mindi on Sunday, here's the set list:

“Right On”
“High 5”
“Come As You Are”
“Every Time”
“Save the Last Dance”
“Ordinary Love” (from the upcoming CD Life Less Ordinary)
“Work Song”
“Save Tonight”
“Flirt”
“Lucy’s”

Dave Koz Forms Rendezvous All Stars Group

A new group coalition of revolving musicians is taking shape, and they all have one thing in common: They are signed to Dave Koz’s Rendezvous Entertainment record label. Called the Rendezvous All Stars, they debuted in a major way, performing last month at the Grammy Awards’ post-party. That group consisted of Koz, saxophonists Kirk Whalum and Michael Lington, vocalist Patti Austin, guitarist Jonathan Butler, pianist Brian Simpson and bassist Wayman Tisdale.

On March 3, the Rendezvous All Stars will return with Koz, Simpson, Whalum and Austin at the Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia. On March 5 the group will feature Koz, Simpson, Whalum and Butler at the festival. Then, beginning March 30, Koz and Rendezvous All Stars, with Simpson and Whalum, will perform over six nights the famed Blue Note jazz club in Tokyo.

Shows starring the Rendezvous All Stars with Whalum, Butler, Tisdale and Simpson are now being confirmed for this summer.