Jazz Great George Duke has died
buzzz worthy. . .
By Mona Austin
George Duke, a dynamic jazz piano and keyboard innovator passed away Monday night in Los Angeles, CA. Duke had been struggling with a form of Luekemia, chronic lymphocytic . He was 67.
A true master of the instrument, for over 40 years George Duke "tickled the ivory" introducing a signature sound defined by elaborate arpeggio's and scintillating trills.
Duke's son Rashid thanked supporters in a statement: “The outpouring of love and support that we have received from my father’s friends, fans and the entire music community has been overwhelming,” he said. “Thank you all for your concern, prayers and support.”
Duke recorded over 30 albums and produced numerous artists including Miles Davis and Smokie Robinson.
In the early years of his career, Duke played with Cannonball Adderly, Frank Zappa, and Stanley Clarke. Each of these majestic group leaders had their own unique interpretation of jazz, which all perhaps melded into the jazz/funk fusion sound the San Rafael, California born artist engineered starting in 1976 when he went solo.
His latest album, “DreamWeaver,” was released in July. On its cover two things are missing: Duke's portly cheeks and bushy hair. The disease had changed his appearance. The album features a tribute to his late wife Corine who preceded him in death last year as a result of cancer. Songs from "Dream Weaver" exude as much energy and passion as the classic "Dukey Stick" or the duet with Rachelle Ferrell, "Rhyme Nor Reason." His creative spirit and sensuality drips throughout the love songs on the project as usual.
Earlier this year Duke was interviewed by EURWEB publisher Lee Bailey. (Click here to listen.) Bailey said he was a "sweet, sweet" man and news of his passing was devastating to report. I second that emotion.
Farewell and much respect to a true jazz ambassador.
By Mona Austin
George Duke, a dynamic jazz piano and keyboard innovator passed away Monday night in Los Angeles, CA. Duke had been struggling with a form of Luekemia, chronic lymphocytic . He was 67.
A true master of the instrument, for over 40 years George Duke "tickled the ivory" introducing a signature sound defined by elaborate arpeggio's and scintillating trills.
Duke's son Rashid thanked supporters in a statement: “The outpouring of love and support that we have received from my father’s friends, fans and the entire music community has been overwhelming,” he said. “Thank you all for your concern, prayers and support.”
Duke recorded over 30 albums and produced numerous artists including Miles Davis and Smokie Robinson.
In the early years of his career, Duke played with Cannonball Adderly, Frank Zappa, and Stanley Clarke. Each of these majestic group leaders had their own unique interpretation of jazz, which all perhaps melded into the jazz/funk fusion sound the San Rafael, California born artist engineered starting in 1976 when he went solo.
His latest album, “DreamWeaver,” was released in July. On its cover two things are missing: Duke's portly cheeks and bushy hair. The disease had changed his appearance. The album features a tribute to his late wife Corine who preceded him in death last year as a result of cancer. Songs from "Dream Weaver" exude as much energy and passion as the classic "Dukey Stick" or the duet with Rachelle Ferrell, "Rhyme Nor Reason." His creative spirit and sensuality drips throughout the love songs on the project as usual.
Earlier this year Duke was interviewed by EURWEB publisher Lee Bailey. (Click here to listen.) Bailey said he was a "sweet, sweet" man and news of his passing was devastating to report. I second that emotion.
Farewell and much respect to a true jazz ambassador.
