Al Jarreau – My Old Friend Celebrating George Duke –
In 2013 we lost legendary keyboardist, composer and producer George Duke and this is a worthy tribute by an old friend namely Al Jarreau. The friendship started way back in 1965 when Al moved to San Francisco and was working as a social worker and a rehabilitation counselor. At a jam session at the Half Note, Jarreau impressed the owner and was asked if he would join the young George Dukes Trio and naturally he jumped at the chance, and the rest is history cementing a life long friendship.
Jarreau said “We played together three years at that club; it closed in 1968 and George and I moved on. But that was a very important period for me”.
Al went on to say, “There are great moments all over this project, I couldn’t possibly cover George’s full range. But I wanted to give people a fun listen with his music for Duke’s diehard fans to once again, enjoy themselves through his music.”
As a life long Jarreau fan I love the album, I mean who wouldn’t just look at the line up featured on the album. My mind goes back to that day at the old Green Point stadium when he visited South Africa a real rainy night in Cape Town which did not dampen Jarreau’s spirit as he lifted the audience into a frenzy of joyful happiness. What a night it was.
The album released on August 5, 2014 has received wide acclaim world wide and will also extend George Dukes legacy and is a must have for Al Jarreau and George Duke fans, with that said it will also bring new fans to these two artists.
Musicians: Al Jarreau, bassist Stanley Clarke, keyboardists John Beasley, Patrice Rushen, guitarist Paul Jackson, Jr., drummer John “J.R.” Robinson-Gerald Albright, Lalah Hathaway, Jeffrey Osborne, Dianne Reeves
Photo by Tanja Deuss
Tracklisting:
My Old Friend See All 3 with Gerald Albright, Someday with Dianne Reeves, Churchyheart (Backyard Ritual) with Marcus Miller, Somebossa (Summer Breezin’) with Gerald Albright, Sweet Baby with Lalah Hathaway, Every Reason to Smile/Wings of Love with Jeffrey Osborne, No Rhyme, No Reason with Kelly Price, Bring Me Joy with Boney James, George Duke, Brazilian Love Affair/Up from the Sea/It Arose and Ate Rio in One Swift Bite with Dianne Reeves, You Touch My Brain with Dr. John
Label: Concord Records
For more info go to http://www.aljarreau.com
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