Al Jarreau to release "My Old Friend - Celebrating George Duke" on the anniversary of George's passing

On August 5th, 2013, the jazz and fusion music world lost the versatile stylings of musician George Duke. A year later to the day, George's great friend Al Jarreau will be releasing a tribute CD called "My Old Friend - Celebrating George Duke."

George and Al have had a friendship that has spanned over forty years. Their friendship went beyond their industry affiliation. In an interview Al revealed that George would be the kind of buddy that would come over to his place and stay until it got late at night. Al fondly talked about the night George stayed too late and Al's mum had to ask him to leave so that they could get to church early the next day.

The CD is a reflection of the friendship that the two have shared, a friendship that remains unbreakable even after George's demise.  On the tribute compilation, Al has secured a few of George's friends to help with making the CD one that is charted for success.

There are 10 tracks on the CD with a bonus track for those who participated in the crowd-funding project. Lending their musical talents are artists and musicians from the jazz and R&B fraternity, two genres that George played heavily in.  They include Boney James, Gerald Albright, Marcus Miller, Jeffrey Osborne, Kelly Price, Dianne Reeves, Lalah Hathaway, Stanley Clarke and Dr. John. 

The CD's title track "My Old Friend" may be a reworking of Al's old popular song but the lyrics definitely bring new meaning as it pertains to Al and George's friendship. The track which has been slower than the original version serves to keep the spirit of George alive as Al sings "still together/ after all these years/always been my old friend/ true until the end of time." 

George's cousin Dianne Reeves  duets with Al on the refreshing "Someday" a track that is filled with a sea of playful "lalalas" in the beginning, it's hard to miss the innocence and happy-go-lucky feel it brings. If there is ever a song that would urge you to let your hair down, this would be it. The interplay of harmonies between Al and Dianne are charming within a rousing melody.

A somewhat eerie beginning leads into Al's sweet and refined voice on "Churchyheart (Backyard Ritual)" a funk-type track that has an underlying mystique thanks to the rumbling bassline from Marcus Miller and a muted trumpet. 

Hushed melodies frame the entryway to the  enchanting "Summer Breezing"  and it must be said that Al and Gerald have both captured the magic and romance that the original version of the song brings. There is a gentle sway within a samba-filled melody that is perfect for lazy summer days. 

Lalah Hathaway's voice effectively transcends the boundaries of the lush "Sweet Baby"; elsewhere on the CD is Jeffrey Osborne with "Every Reason to Smile Wings of Love", a soulful track that is a hybrid of "Every Reason to Smile" and "On The Wings of Love." This track is joyful and soulful, there is even a feeling of church coming down to the end of the song. 

Kelly Price brings the magic to "No Rhyme, No Reason", her pristine vocals develops from a quiet place relaying into full-bodied notes that stir the soul.

Hearing George Duke paired along with Boney James and Al on "Bring Me Joy" makes you think about the kind of music he would be making if he were still alive. It is one of those swirling and atmospheric songs that Al sings with sincerity; its melodic and lyrical charm makes this is an appropriate wedding song. 

Dianne Reeves makes a second appearance on the CD with Al on "Brazilian Love Affair", a trippy samba romp that features rich guitar riffs, infectious drums and mind-blowing harmonies and scats.  A musical breakdown happens 3/4 before the song ends, with a combination of instruments and chants until it fades. 

The CD closes with "You Touch My Brain", a funk-induced song that gets its shine from jive-talking and organ runs trapped  in this bluesy-funk beauty.

Those who contributed to Al's crowdfunding project were able to get the bonus track "Reach For It Roof Garden" a steller combo of George and Al's songs "Reach For It" and "Roof Garden." The result is a funk-infused jazz bit that seamlessly bridges the two tracks.

It is no secret that George had an extensive catalog of music both independently and when he performed with Stanley Clarke. With all the great music George Duke made, you have to wonder about how difficult it was to narrow it down to just 10 of George's best tracks for the CD. 

Without a doubt the tracks chosen were all great ones and dare I say it is definitely a CD that George will give his stamp of approval.

Tune in to  Jazz Moods Radio as we feature songs from the CD before you purchase! The show will air on the night of the CD release at 8pm EST. The show will be hosted by DJ Big Kahuna.