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, is the third lead single from Carol’s upcoming full length concept album Fly Away Butterfly, set for release in June. “On My Way,” the follow-up to her popular 2016 re-imagining of the Brazilian classic “Mas Que Nada,” earned spins on 11 reporting Billboard stations, placed on the New and Active list of Billboard’s Smooth Jazz National Airplay Chart for five weeks . It also reached the Top 20 on the Smooth Jazz Network chart and #12 on The Groove Chart, where it hit that spot between the latest releases by genre greats Brian Culbertson and Jeff Lorber Fusion. Produced by Trammell Starks, who also creates all the bass parts and drum programming, “One Way” features the dynamic ensemble of pianist and vocalist Carol Albert, acoustic guitarist Chris Blackwell, saxophonist and flutist Sam Skelton (whose emotional sax solo is a highlight), and percussionist Rafael Pereira. The original version of “One Way” appears on Al Jarreau’s 1988 hit album Heart’s Horizon. “Even though it was never a single for him, I have always loved the song and thought creating and performing a new arrangement of it would be the perfect celebration of his artistry and life,” says the classically trained Carol, who has performed throughout the U.S. and internationally in numerous European countries, including Sweden, Germany, France and England. “I was very moved by Al’s recent passing, and thought a lot about what he meant to me as an artist. He was a great inspiration to me, and this tune fit perfectly with my style and translated beautifully as an instrumental with my favorite elements – acoustic piano, nylon string guitar and a hint of Latin percussion. ‘One Way’ is a song about love and fits in perfectly with the overall theme of Fly Away Butterfly.” Carol’s multi-faceted career includes the release of five albums dating back to the early 90s, including the popular 2006 solo piano releases Morning Music and Night Music. She has also received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Achievement and Individual Excellence as a Composer for original theme music, and won a first place award in the professional jazz category from the Atlanta Songwriter’s Association. “Dreamer” from Christmas Mystique was chosen as the Winner in the New Age Music category of the Global Peace Song Awards. In addition to performing and composing, Carol is an educator who trains and mentors young promising music students. Three of her original compositions and orchestral arrangements were chosen to showcase at the Roland Corporation Keyboard Colossal Concert Performance. The beautifully elegant and flowing, blue-hued promotional video for Carol’s upcoming album Fly Away Butterfly was shot by Mil Cannon, who has put his signature as an image maker on everyone from Usher and Carrie Underwood to Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, TLC, Pink, Tony Braxton and Outkast. Carol Albert, “One Way” While Carol has made her mark in numerous musical worlds throughout her multi-faceted career – from the educational realm to new age to TV theme composing – she is rapidly finding a niche as an insightful, globally conscious groove and melody-centric contemporary jazz pianist and composer. One way an artist new to a genre can establish continuity is to pay homage to a legend who performed in that style and was also an inspiration. Her unique, soulful and funky yet magnificently exotic re-imagining of the late Al Jarreau’s “One Way” not only allows her to pay homage to one of her musical heroes in the wake of his passing. It’s a way to bridge past and present, bringing a nearly 30 year old classic album cut to glorious life for a generation of fresh ears. “One Way” is also the perfect showcase for her wordless vocal artistry and melodic, groove oriented piano playing, as well as the seamless interaction between her, guitarist Chris Blackwell and sax/flutist Sam Skelton. Somewhere, Jarreau is definitely smiling his approval and singing along. Like her previous single “On My Way,” it’s a heartfelt track that’s perfect for this moment in time – and another exciting introduction to what promises to be her best full length album yet in Fly Away Butterfly – Jonathan Widran, Music Connection and Jazziz Magazine