Spending Time with My Main Man George Duke!!
by jazzcat on May.21, 2005, under News
I have known George Duke for over 20 years and have on occasion had
the opportunity to stop by the studio and hang for a little while.
George knows, has played with and has produced many artists in the
music business and it has not been just jazz. He has worked with artist
that have spanned every genre of music which has given him the
opportunity hear and call upon that vast wealth of knowledge when
producing and playing piano.
I was present at a session for the award winning album, “The
Calling”, in which Dianne Reeves took home the well deserved Grammy
Award in the best jazz vocal album catagory. It is wonderful when
family can collaborate their talents and be honored with the highest
form of appreciation.(George and Dianne are cousins)
Billy Childs is not only an extraordinary pianist but, he is a
master composer and arranger as well. He was a major component for the
success of “The Calling”, an album celebrating the memory of the great
Sarah Vaughan.
At an early age, George was taken to see a Duke Ellington concert
and then knew he wanted to play the piano. He had been influenced by
Miles, Cal Tjader and Les McCann but, he got his funk from
stirring up emotions playing piano in the baptist church. Al
Jarreau, Stanley Clark, Flora Purim, Airto, Jean Luc Ponty, Sonny
Rollins, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, Cannonball Adderley and
Dizzy Gillespie are only a small handfull of jazz greats that George
has worked and collaborated with over the years.
Today was just a quick visit to say hello to a great friend.
You can find out more about George by checking out his site at George Duke.com.
LeRoy Downs