In jazz, there are two seminal figures called “Duke." For Edward Kennedy Ellington, “Duke" was a nickname. For George Duke, it is his surname, but the similarities with Duke Ellington don't end there. As a pianist, arranger, songwriter, bandleader and composer, George Duke has solidified his reputation as one of jazz's most important figures. Also a bold innovator who isn't afraid to confound admirers and critics alike, Duke dived headfirst into funk with his irresistible hit “Reach For It," an unexpected crossover smash.
All About Jazz contributor Jeff Winbush spoke with Duke recently, about his latest release, Déjà Vu (Telarc Jazz, 2010), a tremendous history dating back to the beginning of the 1970s, beautifully documented on My Soul—The Complete MPS Fusion Recordings (MPS/Universal Music Group), a résumé that includes collaborations with artists including Frank Zappa, Jean-Luc Ponty, Billy Cobham and Stanley Clarke, and a career, now in its fifth decade, as both a recording artist and record producer that has spanned the musical spectrum from Brazilian music to soul and R&B. Read Jeff's in-depth interview, George Duke: Facing the Music, published today at All About Jazz.
But there's more. To celebrate the release of Déjà Vu, All About Jazz is bringing you even more coverage: you can also read Jeff's insightful CD Review of Déjà Vu, also published today at All About Jazz, and watch Duke and his band, performing live in concert earlier this year, Today's Video.
All About Jazz is committed to bringing you the most extensive coverage, across the broadest spectrum of jazz, so be sure to check out all the buzz about George Duke and Déjà Vu at AAJ today!
All About Jazz contributor Jeff Winbush spoke with Duke recently, about his latest release, Déjà Vu (Telarc Jazz, 2010), a tremendous history dating back to the beginning of the 1970s, beautifully documented on My Soul—The Complete MPS Fusion Recordings (MPS/Universal Music Group), a résumé that includes collaborations with artists including Frank Zappa, Jean-Luc Ponty, Billy Cobham and Stanley Clarke, and a career, now in its fifth decade, as both a recording artist and record producer that has spanned the musical spectrum from Brazilian music to soul and R&B. Read Jeff's in-depth interview, George Duke: Facing the Music, published today at All About Jazz.
But there's more. To celebrate the release of Déjà Vu, All About Jazz is bringing you even more coverage: you can also read Jeff's insightful CD Review of Déjà Vu, also published today at All About Jazz, and watch Duke and his band, performing live in concert earlier this year, Today's Video.
All About Jazz is committed to bringing you the most extensive coverage, across the broadest spectrum of jazz, so be sure to check out all the buzz about George Duke and Déjà Vu at AAJ today!
