DÉJÀ VU

This few days old release of George Duke is really nice album, but not so easy for reviewing. And the main reason is being a great musical release its music is a bit different from what we expect speaking about progressive jazz fusion.

During his long career George Duke played with Frank Zappa, Billy Cobham and released many of pop-jazz and pop-funk solo albums, between other works. He is really great musician, but his musical direction was often too controversial looking from progressive fusion point of view (similar story has Herbie Hancock and Billy Cobham as well).

From very first sounds of this ,Duke's new album, you will return back to music world of 70-s. Latin jazz, pop-funk, r'n'b and even post-bop elements are played using authentic vintage synth and keyboards, with very 70-s like back-up female vocals, sunny seaside melodies, excellent musicianship. Even airy sound producing comes from 70-s, and most important - it doesn't sound as imitation at all! This music sounds as George Duke returned to his roots and recorded excellent album - not nostalgic, but "real" music album, rooted in 70-s.

Funky rhythms, some winds, tasteful electric guitars, plenty of Rhodes and Wurlitzer electric pianos, some vintage synths sounds, excellent sound mix - what a great music! Yes, looking formally, it is kind of pop-jazz, jazz-funk and vintage r'n'b based fusion, but how nice it sounds! Yes, mostly because it's played by Master.

This release isn't for progressive fusion purists, but if you like great jazzy music, fresh ,but 70-s rooted, played by great musician, with excellent atmosphere - try this album!

P.S. And there is a rare example of melodic and soulful music, which being pop-oriented doesn't sound cheesy.

My rating is 3,5, rounded to 4. Best George Duke album for last decade and more.