George Duke
George Duke
George Dukewas an American musician, known as a keyboard pioneer, composer, singer and producer in both jazz and popular mainstream musical genres. He worked with numerous artists as arranger, music director, writer and co-writer, record producer and as a professor of music. He first made a name for himself with the album The Jean-Luc Ponty Experience with the George Duke Trio. He was known primarily for thirty-odd solo albums, of which 'A Brazilian Love Affair' from 1980 was his most...
ProfessionComposer
Date of Birth12 January 1946
CitySan Rafeal, CA
Stanley and I decided at the end of last year to do a couple of dates, and we had so much fun we said let's make a commitment.
They had too many classical piano players. I didn't have their chops. I couldn't keep up with them. But they also had a brass scholarship for trombone and they didn't have any trombone players. So I knew I could get that one!
I work with many jazz artists as Miles Davis, Laughlin, etc.. One of the things all these artists had in common is that they had no fear.
Artists, whether they're classical musicians or pop musicians, they have always been the reflection of society, and in many ways a healing part of whatever is wrong in society, and I think it's important for us to continue to do that, and I don't see enough of it today.
When I think about my new CD, the word 'joy' comes to mind. I sincerely hope that each listener will feel the earth, spirit, and aggressive creativity emanating from this album.
I'm really looking forward to playing in Copenhagen again. Last time I stayed as long as I could, took pictures, signed autographs, and hung out until they through me out of the place!
I've developed an audience over the years and I don't want to loose them.
I grew up with Al Jarreau. We had a band together and worked these places for three years when neither one of us knew we could make a living doing music.
At the end of '69 I did a gig with Jean Luc Ponty here in L.A. He was an electric violinist.
We want to let people know we're back out there.
At the same time, I definitely want to expand my fan base but not at the expense of prostituting my music or heart.
We're performing several shows in the Canary Islands.
I'm planning a different show, though for obvious reasons some of the material will be the same, and of course I will perform material from the new CD.
Frank liked me because I went nuts on the piano using feet, head, whatever I could find to bang on the piano.