Domestic
Release Scheduled for August 5, 2014 (international release dates may vary)
Includes
Guest Artists Gerald Albright, Dianne Reeves, Marcus Miller, Lalah Hathaway,
Jeffrey Osborne, Kelly Price, Dr. John and More Plus a special performance by
George Duke
The
world of music was forever changed in 2013 with the passing of legendary
keyboardist, composer and producer George Duke. This year, Al Jarreau, famed
vocalist and long-time friend of Duke, re-interprets some of Duke’s renowned
catalog of post-bop, jazz-fusion, R&B and Brazilian jazz with My Old
Friend: Celebrating George Duke set for release August 5, 2014. Produced by
John Burk, Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Boney James, this work also hosts
a stellar blend of guest artists including Gerald Albright, Dianne Reeves,
Marcus Miller, Lalah Hathaway, Jeffrey Osborne, Kelly Price, Dr. John, and
more, with a special appearance by George Duke on the track “Bring Me Joy”
which also features Boney James.
My Old
Friend will surely extend the legacy of George Duke as well as become another
crowning jewel in Jarreau’s own distinguished repertoire. “There are great
moments all over this project,” Jarreau says proudly. “I couldn’t possibly
cover George’s full range. But I wanted to give people a fun listen with his
music for Duke’s diehard fans to once again, enjoy themselves through his
music.” The album is now available for pre-order and is part of a Pledge Music
campaign where Jarreau is offering fans a first listen, signed CDs, VIP
packages and more.
Jarreau
first met Duke in 1965 when he moved to San Francisco from his hometown of
Milwaukee after a stint with the U.S. Army Reserves. Jarreau was working as a
social worker and a rehabilitation counselor while also pounding the San
Francisco streets for jazz gigs. A young Duke was already making a name for
himself in the city by playing weekends at the Half Note. One Sunday night jam
session, Jarreau came upon stage and tore it up. The club owner immediately
asked Jarreau if he would be willing to join George Duke’s trio on a regular
basis. Jarreau leaped at the opportunity and worked with the George Duke Trio
for three years, evening recording a live LP. “We played together three years
at that club; it closed in 1968 and George and I moved on. But that was a very
important period for me,” Jarreau recalls.
Pledge Music Available Here: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/tributetogeorgeduke
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