George Duke
is one of the best jazz keyboard players ever. At least according to the late Miles Davis. But he is also one of the best pop producers this planet has ever seen. Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Stephanie Mills and Jill Jones all have had the luck to work with the genius called Duke. His catalogue enfolds more than twenty albums recorded under his own name, which resulted in two Grammys so far.
This became the first tune I learned when I formed a band in high school. Since we only knew three or four songs, we wound up playing «Afro Blue» in as many different styles and configurations as we could.
The only music that makes me depressed is BAD music. By that, I mean music that is not created from the heart - style and idiom is of no concern.
The frist time I went to Brazil. I purchased this album, and it changed my life. The rhythms, the melodies, the concepts - this is one incredible album!
Produced by Ray Charles. This record had a tremendous effect on me. The combination of jazz, gospel and R&B, at that time, was a unique blend - one that affected me for the rest of my life and career!
I have always loved this. The ultimate song for me has always been and will always be the merging of a great lyric with a great composition and melody. This song represents that achievement.
evokes memories of my greatest summer ever - being on tour with a "hit" record, playing large venues, partying and generally just acting crazy and getting paid for it!
My own song «No Rhyme No Reason» is my own personal ultimate heartbreak song. The lyrics to this song represent a personal part of my life that actually took place, for the most part, in Montreux, Switzerland during the festival. I will never forget those moments!
«Lift Every Voice And Sing» has been an inspiration to me since I was a kid. In fact, it has been considered the Black National Anthem for many years, and my mom made me aware of the song and what it represented while I was very young.
This is tough - I love so many!! If I had to choose one, I would probably choose «Four and More» because of its’ rawness. It’s a live album that shows the incredible creativeness of a band at its’ best.
It is a great song musically and lyrically. I wish I'd thought of that!
