Jazz, R&B, Funk Legend George Duke 1946-2013 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 08-06-2013, 11:03 AM

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According to reports, veteran jazz, R&B, funk and fusion keyboard virtuoso George Duke has died at age 67. This news comes after a difficult period for the acclaimed musician whose wife, Corine, passed away just over a year ago. Sources say Duke died on 5 August but no other details have yet been confirmed as to the cause of his death, which comes just after the release of his latest album, Dreamweaver, which he’d dedicated to his wife’s memory. We will have more for you on his death as details become available.

Duke was left devastated by the death of his wife and unable to make music for months, but the keyboardist and composer eventually overcame his grief to create an inspiring collection of mostly original compositions called “DreamWeaver.” He weaves together the eclectic threads of his 40-plus year musical career: acoustic jazz, electronic jazz-rock fusion, funk, R&B and soul.

The mid-tempo “Stones of Orion,” which pairs Duke on acoustic piano with longtime collaborator Stanley Clarke on upright bass, is a gently swinging modern jazz composition that recalls his early days with Cannonball Adderley’s band. Duke’s distinctive ability to make vintage synthesizers — the ARP Odyssey, Minimoog, clavinet and Prophet 5 — sound bluesy and funky comes through on the 15-minute “Burnt Sausage Jam.”

Duke also assembled an impressive lineup of soul and R&B vocalists, including Lalah Hathaway, Jeffrey Osborne and BeBe Winans on the uplifting, gospel-influenced “Change the World,” which takes after Michael Jackson’s “We Are the World.” ‘’Ball & Chain,” written by Teena Marie for a jazz album she planned with Duke, is one of the late powerhouse singer’s last recorded performances.

Duke expresses his love for his late wife on the tender, piano-driven ballad “Missing You,” a romantic vocal duet with Rachelle Ferrell. The album ends by turning the cowboy ballad “Happy Trails” — Dale Evans’ closing theme to “The Roy Rogers Show” — into a soulful, heartfelt farewell to his wife, made even more poignant by the sudden death of guitarist Jef Lee Johnson shortly after he recorded the fadeout guitar solo.

Penny Lane · 08-06-2013, 11:30 AM

RIP George Duke

Dr. Jazz · 08-08-2013, 01:00 AM

I just had his Greatest Hits CD playing in my car last week. Hadn't had it out in a while and was in the mood for some "Dukey Stick" and "Mothership Connection". Jazz-Funk at it's best. I also saw recently where he was playing some shows at BB King's Blues Club and was glad to see he was still touring.

isiahthomas · 08-27-2013, 03:38 PM

RIP George. I love his song No Rhyme No Reason. His jam Reach For It was sampled by rapper WC and the Madd Circle for West Up song which also features rappers Ice Cube and Mack 10. He was the executive producer of r&b singer Jeffrey Osborne's first 3 albums called Jeffrey Osborne, Stay With Me Tonight, Don't Stop. Those albums are very good and my dad has them.

08-06-2013, 11:03 AM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,370	Jazz, R&B, Funk Legend George Duke 1946-2013 Link According to reports, veteran jazz, R&B, funk and fusion keyboard virtuoso George Duke has died at age 67. This news comes after a difficult period for the acclaimed musician whose wife, Corine, passed away just over a year ago. Sources say Duke died on 5 August but no other details have yet been confirmed as to the cause of his death, which comes just after the release of his latest album, Dreamweaver, which he’d dedicated to his wife’s memory. We will have more for you on his death as details become available. Duke was left devastated by the death of his wife and unable to make music for months, but the keyboardist and composer eventually overcame his grief to create an inspiring collection of mostly original compositions called “DreamWeaver.” He weaves together the eclectic threads of his 40-plus year musical career: acoustic jazz, electronic jazz-rock fusion, funk, R&B and soul. The mid-tempo “Stones of Orion,” which pairs Duke on acoustic piano with longtime collaborator Stanley Clarke on upright bass, is a gently swinging modern jazz composition that recalls his early days with Cannonball Adderley’s band. Duke’s distinctive ability to make vintage synthesizers — the ARP Odyssey, Minimoog, clavinet and Prophet 5 — sound bluesy and funky comes through on the 15-minute “Burnt Sausage Jam.” Duke also assembled an impressive lineup of soul and R&B vocalists, including Lalah Hathaway, Jeffrey Osborne and BeBe Winans on the uplifting, gospel-influenced “Change the World,” which takes after Michael Jackson’s “We Are the World.” ‘’Ball & Chain,” written by Teena Marie for a jazz album she planned with Duke, is one of the late powerhouse singer’s last recorded performances. Duke expresses his love for his late wife on the tender, piano-driven ballad “Missing You,” a romantic vocal duet with Rachelle Ferrell. The album ends by turning the cowboy ballad “Happy Trails” — Dale Evans’ closing theme to “The Roy Rogers Show” — into a soulful, heartfelt farewell to his wife, made even more poignant by the sudden death of guitarist Jef Lee Johnson shortly after he recorded the fadeout guitar solo.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

08-06-2013, 11:30 AM	#2
Penny Lane Butter Pie Forum Icon Join Date: Jul 03, 2001 Location: Beneath the blue suburban skies Posts: 51,088	RIP George Duke
	__________________ Vulgarity is no substitute for wit- Lady Violet Crawley

08-08-2013, 01:00 AM	#3
Dr. Jazz The Evil Empire. . . . Forum Star Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Posts: 11,085	I just had his Greatest Hits CD playing in my car last week. Hadn't had it out in a while and was in the mood for some "Dukey Stick" and "Mothership Connection". Jazz-Funk at it's best. I also saw recently where he was playing some shows at BB King's Blues Club and was glad to see he was still touring.

08-27-2013, 03:38 PM	#4
isiahthomas Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Aug 20, 2002 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 10,704	RIP George. I love his song No Rhyme No Reason. His jam Reach For It was sampled by rapper WC and the Madd Circle for West Up song which also features rappers Ice Cube and Mack 10. He was the executive producer of r&b singer Jeffrey Osborne's first 3 albums called Jeffrey Osborne, Stay With Me Tonight, Don't Stop. Those albums are very good and my dad has them.