George Duke
Biography
George Duke showed a great deal of promise early in his career as a jazz pianist and keyboardist, but has forsaken that form to be a pop producer. Inspired early on by Les McCann, he worked with a trio in San Francisco during the mid-'60s. In 1969, Duke accompanied Jean-Luc Ponty, recording with the violinist. After eight months with the Don Ellis Orchestra, he joined Frank Zappa for much of 1970. Duke spent 1971-1972 with Cannonball Adderley and then returned to Zappa for 1973-1975. In 1975, he worked with Sonny Rollins, co-led a group with Billy Cobham, and then formed a funk band (the Clarke-Duke Project) with Stanley Clarke. By the late '70s, he was completely outside of jazz, playing R&B and producing projects for pop artists. Although he has since expressed interest in returning to active playing, little of George Duke's post-1976 work is relevant to jazz, but he has kept himself busy with projects. Dukey Treats appeared in 2008 from Heads Up Records. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Selected Discography
This reviewer sounds like a bit of a jazz snob, and a bit shallow. I just read his Stanley Clarke review and got the same impression. Maybe the all music guide should limit him to reviewing guys like Wynton Marsalis. That might be easier for Yanow, and nicer for all of us to read.
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George Duke is one of those artists who makes a special place in your musical heart that never goes away. The kind of music that defines a period in your life. Being in radio in the past, I`ve grown to have a great admiration for his genious. He`s one whom, I feel, gets pure pleasure from seeing the smiles on his audiences faces. God bless him.
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To all you George Duke lovers ,I like what you're sayin' , but how 'bout some love for " IS LOVE ENOUGH " .
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In 1995, I had the opportunity to interview George Duke on air at KHYS Y98.5 Fm in Houston Texas, the interview was supposed to last 10 minutes, but lasted 30, we laughed, he told basically his life story on air. He is truly an incredible man & musician, and we became very close friends afterwards George Duke is truly remarkable ! Jonjay
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SNAPSHOT is hot, but I've worn the label off ILLUSIONS. Great vocals on that one.
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They don't get anymore talented or capable than this guy I've been a big fan since forever. Oh yea my fav is Dukey stick.
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George Duke is another artist that hasbeen in the music industres for more that 20 years he has his own style from jazz to funky vocals R&B songs...
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After reading all the comments I can only agree with everyone of them. My fav is "Snapshot".
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What is Jazz?? Jazz is an experimental , improvisatio n a l modem in which the artist is able to explore different musical directions. Does this not truly exemplify George Duke's style of music. We must understand that when an individual cannot be catagorized, they are usually disregared as irrelevant. The adjective, irrelevant can hardly be applied to George Duke. When one is able to allow the ambiances of Mr. Duke to permeate their being, then musical differences truly dissappear.
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does anyone know how to suggest additions to his discography? i cannot believe "After Hours" is not added to this list. the compilation on his "After Hours" cd is by far one of george duke's best. anyone who has had the opportunity to listen to this cd would surely agree.
furthermore, i'd have to adamantly disagree with mr. yanow's assessment, in george duke's biography, stating that "little of george duke's post-1976 work is relevant to jazz." george duke is truly a pioneer of smooth jazz. |
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I can't thank George enough for his style of play. I knew in the 70's when he put out the Lp's : "Don't let go" and "Follow the Rainbo", he was the one i wanted to play like . Never been able to reach that goal on the keyboards but God has blessed me to watch my 10 year old son jam just like George.!! I know , hard to believe. but true. i'm taking my boy to see him for the first time for the both of us this coming jazz festival at Russian River 2008 !! thank you in the key of " G "
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wheres his latest? it is the funk that all the new kids should hear. funk from where we all as young cats need to listen and learn from.
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GD was ahead of time while birthing the mixing of jazz, R&B, Funk, and dirty soul into DS was on point. This was the transformati o n into what is now know as new jack!
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Moveing from Detroit to SOUTH,SOUTH Georgia it was hard keeping up with my J-A-Z-Z and had to go back home to find all his latest, now living in ATL someone told me about Pandora, WHAT! I love it will be a life time member.
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George Duke is a phenominal artist. Love Can Be So Cold and No Rhyme, No Reason are two of my favorie songs in life. When I want to get funky, I "Reach For It" and find the "Dukey Stick". GD is the man!
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MR. DUKEY STICK DUKE ALWAYS REACHIN FOR IT. LOVED YA BACK IN 77 YOU AND MR.COLLINS AKA BOOTSY.CRANS O M 1 08
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I'VE BEEN A FAN SINCE THE EARLY 70'S AND LOVE THE CREATIVE TALENT GEORGE DUKE CONTINUES TO DISPLAY. HE'S ALSO A GREAT PRODUCER THAT COVERS MANY GENRES OF MUSIC AND FUSES IT ALL TOGETHER. THE SONG "COMPANY" PERFORMED BY DIANE REEVEES ALWAYS MAKES ME CRY EVERYTIME I HEAR IT. YOU CAN FEEL THE SPIRIT!!! PLEASE FORGIVE ANY MISPELLED WORDS... :-)
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I saw duke in chicago in the 70s when the dukie stick album was out.
He and the band lit up the place. |
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I saw Mr. Duke Rachell Farrell, and Al Jarreau in SC in 2003. He is a lyricist as well as a pianist. His words ring so true at times that I have to say my my my that's exacty how I feel.
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smooth & mellow artist. creates highway music that puts oneself on another level.
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