The Jazzcat

Photos

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