George Duke | Deja Vu
George Duke | Deja Vu
(Advance Review - Album to be released August 10th, 2010)
Keyboard master/songwriter/producer, jazz legend George Duke, returns with his latest project on his own BPM imprint, distributed through Heads Up International (A division of the Concord Music Group), "Deja Vu". George takes his listeners back to his late '70's/'80's era Funk/Soul sound. A sound that defined the classic "Dukey Stick" groove we all have come to know and appreciate. Produced by George, this ten selection CD is a culmination of Latin, Soul, laid back ballads, and Funk excursions. Let's spotlight some of the highlights of this great work.
Opening track, "A Melody", complete with a Latin Jazz shuffle groove supplemented by the soothing background vocals and musicianship of some of music's brightest talents, will harken you back to George's 1979 release "A Brazilian Love Affair". "What Goes Around Comes Around", is a laid back mellow Funk tune featuring the soprano sax work of Everette Harp. "Bring Me Joy", is a song that'll remind you of Stevie Wonder's classic "Creepin'". Haunting, yet beautiful sounding synths, and breathiness of George's lead vocal is certainly one of the standout cuts. "Ripple Time", {Dedicated to Miles Davis}, is an atmospheric synthesizer performed piece in mode of Mile's via "Tutu" and his experimental 1989 project "Aura".
"6 O'Clock Revisited", is actually a funked up version of the same tune taken from George's 1992 Warner Bros. released project, "Snapshot". George's son, Rashid, is featured on vocals. "Come To Me Now", is another mellow mid tempo song that features the fine acoustic piano work of the "Master" himself, as well is his trademark lead and background vocal performance. The interestingly titled, "Stupid Is As Stupid Does", is an upbeat, fun toe tapper featuring the excellent sax work of Bob Sheppard, the fine flute work of the great Hubert laws, and the super chops of trumpeter, the talented Nicholas Payton. Closing number, the album's title track, "Deja Vu", is more in line of the straight ahead jazz mode, with the fusion feel of a Jean-Luc Ponty vibe on top. Featured here is violinist Sarah Thornblade, and the power drumming of Ronald Bruner, Jr. Of course, the keyboard work of George is nothing short of spectacular.
Other musical talents featured on "Deja Vu" are bassist Larry Kimpel, guitarists’ Paul Jackson, Jr., Ray Fuller, Jef Lee Johnson, bassist Michael Manson, and drummer Teddy Campbell. As we can clearly see, George surrounds himself with great musicians. This is an album worth checking out when it’s released August 10, 2010.
Happy Listening !
Randy Holmes
The Urban Music Scene
The Urban Music Scene
randy, what's up, read your review on George Dukes new cd and to add to that solarradio has been playing "My Melody" on the station and I must tell you, George brought it on the cd. I'm glad he's going back to basics, should be a great cd.
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Cool Marv ! Thanks for lettin' me know Solar Radio has been playing it. Yeah, this CD is a throwback to '70's era, with a Contemporary feel.
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Thanks for the info for one of our music Icons, George Duke. I'm counting the days until I can buy his new CD-'DejaVu'
I even had the pleasure to be in the studio when he creatively taught & recorded the Latin Jazz song 'A Melody' with his background vocalist: Lynne Fiddmont, Lamont Van Hook and Shannon Pearson.
I sat very quietly & actually watched and heard the magic happen, LIVE! Everette Harp on sax was even there when we arrived and he was recording as well for G. Duke. His song on the CD is 'What Go Around, Comes Around'. What a cool experience I had during my visit to LA
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Thank You Very Much Dr. Jackson,
I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to respond. You're very welcome for the info, and I Thank You for acknowledging my review.
But I'd like to truly Thank You for sharing that moment you had in the studio that day with George recording.
I love L.A. myself, hope to go back soon !
Peace & Blessings
Randy H.
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Hi Randy,
Wow...I was surprised & glad to get your response to my George Duke studio experience! Ironically your comment was on my birthday
That was such a cool day for me as I was with my long time friends Lynne Fiddmont and Lamont VanHook and new friend Shannon Pearson. Since they were there to sing for & with G. Duke. I got the chance to go with them to his studio and watch them work. Mr. Duke and his wife were very gracious to me in their home. While there I saw a lot of his awards and photos through out and I felt like I was in a 'Hall of Fame' Museum being surrounded with such musical history all in my eyesight! I smiled and began to hum the songs in my head a I glanced at each award. To watch George Duke and his engineer, Eric work that mixing board was an awesome experience. They hit buttons and flicked switches with such ease as G. Duke went back and forth from inside the sound booth to sing his own song, just after teaching Lynne, Lamont & Shannon what to sing and then come back out to mix what they had just done! I had flown to LA to be a part of Lynne's video shoot for 2 of her new songs, 'All The Way' & 'Fine and Mellow/He's So Fine', which was shot a few days later. The 'All The Way' video is out now!
George Duke is featured on keyboard for Lynne's title song, "LADY" on her new CD of the same name.
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Hi Pam,
Number one, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO YOU ! I hope you had a great time that day
I could only imagine what it felt like to witness such history before your very own eyes, I bet it was amazing ! Thank you for sharing. .... I'll check out Lynne's video, thank you ! She's a great vocalist !
Be Blessed,
Randy H.
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P.S. Randy, If you haven't already......check out Jerry 'The Mouse' Clark's review of Lynne's CD'-LADY' on July 24 2010. Her new video is on her facebook page as well as mine.
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