Cool

Review George Duke calls his latest recording Cool, but "busy" or "scattered" might be more apt titles for this wild potpourri of R&B, pop, jazz, gospel, and Brazilian sounds. It almost feels as if he's taking a stand against the music industry's insistence on homogeny. Each tune on this record hops gleefully from one genre to the next, and every leap captures yet another facet of the keyboardist/producer's spirited personality. He goes into a Curtis Mayfield falsetto to sing us his autobiography on the retro-soul-minded "Marin City," and returns to that voice on "Ancient Source," an ode to the music of Africa featuring exotic chants and offbeat percussion. After we have the background, Duke plays comedic social observer ("Wake Up, Smell the Coffee"); corny, hopeless romantic ("She's Amazing," sung soulfully with Chanté Moore); a traveler to the joyous part of Rio ("If You Will," featuring Duke's Rhodes dancing over samba grooves, vocal choruses, and the voice percussion of Flora Purim); spiritual leader (playing keys behind the gospel group Anointed on "Never Be Another"); and advisor to the starry-eyed and lovelorn on "If He Ain't Mr. Right (Then He's Mr. Wrong)." Some of the tunes are catchy and fun, but few measure up to those in his vast catalog. Still, he shares with Quincy Jones a flair for bringing way too many musicians to the party yet making the most of each invitee. It's always been clear, however, that Duke himself is a far superior jazz/funk keyboardist than vocalist, and it's unfortunate that most of his best solos are found midway through vocal tracks that don't always catch fire. The brassy snap of "Whatever It Takes," however, keeps the focus where it should be: on Duke's melodic playing. More cuts like this would have created the cool to which he aspired. --- Jonathan Widran, JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc. -- From Jazziz Product Description The coolest of R&B jazz kings returns to his signature smooth funk with guests including Chante Moore, Anointed, Flora Purim, Perri and more. Tracks: "Never Be Another," "Marin City," "She's Amazing" and more.
ASIN: B00004Y6NG
VSKU: DBV.B00004Y6NG.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:George Duke
Binding: Audio cd
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: Individually inspected: Guaranteed to play perfectly or your money back. Case may show wear and may be in library packaging. Ships Fast!