Al Jarreau to release tribute to George Duke on "My Old Friend - Celebrating George Duke"; pledge project set up to fund the CD
Jarreau and George have had a friendship that lasted over 40 years, one that George talked about when I interviewed him back in 2010. He reminisced about international performance with Jarreau and also talked about producing a CD of never-before-heard jazz standards featuring his trio and Al with tracks recorded from 1965.
The closeness between those two has prompted Al to gather a few friends to pay tribute to George. Some of the artists expected to appear on the CD include Stanley Clarke, Lalah Hathaway, Gerald Albright, Boney James, Marcus Miller, Jeffrey Osborne and Dianne Reeves.
While listeners await the CD to be officially released on August 5, there has been a pledge page set up that would give you a lot of cool stuff one of which is to pre-order an autographed copy of the CD.
The offers on the page for the money you spend are definitely worth it. I must admit I couldn't refuse, I proudly pledged and support this project.
Your money will help with the production of the CD; in return you can get a signed copy of the new CD with two extra CDs for $40.00 . If you want a chance to meet Al at a soundcheck along with an autographed CD you will have to take on the $500 package.
The 700 package will give you a shekere instrument that Al uses during performances, the digital version of the album as well as a signed CD.
The top package of $1200 will give you all the other packages including a signed copy of the CD, Two live performance CDs, a chance to meet Al during sound check, a pair of tickets to the show, an after show meet and greet where you can receive the sharakree that Al used on stage on the night of performance.
Those pledging will also receive an exclusive download of the first track "My Old Friend" which has been redone in a refreshing and soulful way that George would've definitely love. Appearing on the track is sax player Gerald Albright, a man that George referred to as his "industry son" based on their close resemblance.
Tracks on the CD will include a few of George's treasured tracks such as "No Rhyme, No Reason", "Sweet Baby" and "Brazilian Love Affair". You can also expect to hear "Backyard Ritual", "Summer Breezin", "Bring Me Joy", "Every Reason to Smile/ Wings of Love" and "You Touch My Brain".
Make your way over to the pledge page HERE and take advantage of these great offers. Remember, they won't last long.
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