George Duke - Liberated Fantasies [CD]

MPS

£11.41

Cat. no: 0214946MSW
Format: CD
Barcode: 4029759149460
Release Date: 25 Feb 2022
Genre: Jazz

Reissue of George Duke's classic 1976 jazz-funk-fusion album 'Liberated Fantasies'

This 1976 album, the last one of the MPS fusion series, continues George Duke's tendency to couple his fusion world with accessible R&B songs. Once again, he shows a discernible vocal development. In "Tryin' And Cryin" the Californian together with rock singer Napoleon Brock overlays multiple vocal tracks. On "Seeing You" Duke lays on a glaze of soulful tenderness, whereas "What The…" is 30 seconds of frivolous funning around. "Back to Where We Never Left" is a witty gem in which Duke bundles his pool of synthesizers into a united groove, whereas "I C'n Hear That" shows off synth and marimba tonal colors in dialogue, with the bass riffing on the bottom.

The album flows into the final bend carrying along the sonorous richness of Brazil. "After the Love" plays with the languorous erotic colours of the tropics, whereas all the band members are allowed to shine on the epic circa ten minute title track with its hot samba flair: the rhythm section with "Ndugu", Al Johnson, and Airto Moreira's percussion arsenal, Daryl Stuermer with his rock interludes on guitar, and Duke himself with inspired virtuosity on all sorts of synths and keyboards.

CD Tracks: Don't Be Shy / Seeing You / Back To Where We Never Left / What The ... / Tryin' & Cryin' / I C'n Hear That / After The Love / Tzina / Liberated Fantasies