RENDEZVOUZ

Rendezvous is an album of contrasts to me. On one hand, several slick R&B numbers that could have belonged to a C- category artists be it not for Duke vocals and a occasional hint of keyboard playing. On the other hand, Duke returned to instrumentals - and I don't care if they are fusion or pop-related as long as they are good. "Thinking of you" is one of them - unpretentious mellow with lead synths, well played. With "Better ways", we have one of the better sung tracks, quite rocking and funking actually - not sure who sings though. The sub-par album ends on a higher note: Firstly, "Your note" inspired by his previous albums - a good melody and instrumentation for mid 80's. "Ipanema lady" brings us even more back in time, end of 70's with "Follow the rainbow" or "A Brazilian love affair" albums - a shiny instrumental with some ambition, finally! I like the prog-inspired symphonic synth ending.