GEORGE DUKE – TRIBUTE
We are very sad to hear that George Duke has died aged 67. George was one of the most innovative and influential Jazz keyboard players and his music has delighted us for 40 years. He was also a great producer having produced many artists including Rachelle Ferrell.
George leaves a music legacy covering 40 albums as a leader for us to enjoy for eternity. His classics from late 70’s to early 80’s like ‘Brazilian Love Affair’, ‘Follow the Rainbow’ and ‘Master of the Game’ we’re major albums in the Jazz Funk era, and his earlier albums on MPS are now highly sought after. He also played on numerous other sessions some using pseudonyms such as Dawilli Gonga (on Alphonse Mouzon’s – Man Incognito album amongst others).
George had just released the Dreamweaver album, his best for at least a decade, which he dedicated to his wife of 40 years Corine who died almost exactly a year ago. It features a duet with Teena Marie ‘Ball and Chain’ one of her last recordings.
Seeing George Duke Live was an unforgettable experience, I can still remember my heart pounding for 30 minutes after his gig with Stanley Clarke at Hammersmith Apollo in the early 80’s. Having met him a few times I can vouch that he was a larger than life character, who will be sadly missed.
RIP ‘Dukey’
