Interview with George Duke - May 2005 (E)
1. Your new album "Duke" is just out in the US and about to get released in the UK and Europe on Dome Records, what are your expectations for this new material?
Simply put, I hope that people like it! I think it is a good record that has something for all my fans. In the USA, I have tripled the sales of the previous CD within the same time period - so far so good!
I also hope that with the assistance and expertise of Dome Records, that I will be able to further pierce the UK and European market. I really like playing there and I want to do more! I've found that the audiences get quite involved and really listen to what's happening. I love that!
2. Duke is your second independent album, does it give you more freedom to be on a independent label - compared to a major record label?
Well, since I produce and pay for my own albums, it is the ultimate freedom. I don't have twenty year olds telling me that I should record albums like Usher. Not that there is anything wrong with Usher, in fact I like him, I'm just not him! I've developed an audience over the years and I don't want to loose them. At the same time, I definitely want to expand my fan base but not at the expense of prostituting my music or heart. I would much prefer that they take me as I am, that way the experience is genuine between the both of us.
3. The album have a long list of famous musicians playing and singing - you have worked with several of them before, do you ever get no I'm sorry George not this time ?
Wow, that's an interesting question! No, I don't think that has ever happened. The majority of the people I work with are more than musicians and singers, they are personal friends and friends help each other.
4. Genre vice "Duke" contains Jazz, Latin, Soul, instrumental and vocal tracks, tell us about the idea behind the album;
Maybe I shouldn't say this, but I actually had no central idea going into this album, I just wanted to record material that I felt good about. I began by going through my tape vault to see what I had available and found a few arrangements that I thought would be cool. As I began working with the material, a central theme emerged - various dynamics of relationships. All the songs, even the ones I didn't write, fell into place. "Trust" is obvious! "I Wanna Know" addresses whether a relationship should continue. "Superwoman" deals with a man that believes he can deal with the excentricities of his woman, "No One" is real love, "T-Jam" is just a jam (oh well), "Somebody's Body" is about being pursued and trying not to give in, so forth and so on. Of course "Sausalito" is about a small town north of San Francisco where I spent many a day and night listening and learning music.
5. Beside your own recordings you also produce, play and write for great many other artist, can you reveal some of you new projects?
I'm currently in pre-production with Marilyn Scott. I'm also working on a track for Howard Hewett, and a theme for a new NPR show. I've also been asked to produce several tracks for an Anita Baker Christmas album, but we'll see what becomes of that.
Off and on for sometime now I have been cleaning up an old recording of Al Jarreau with the George Duke Trio from 1965. I plan to release that towards the end of the year. I've also secured access to my performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival over the years. This release will be in 5.1 DVD format and include my live performances with Dianne Reeves, Miles Davis, Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, Joe Sample, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Chante Moore, Phil Perry, Anita Baker and more. In time I plan to release as many volumes as you guys can take!!
6. Your just getting ready for going on the road with you new album and your tour also include Copenhagen Jazz festival - you where in Denmark last year and everybody who saw you was ecstatic - what was your experience from that gig?
All I have to say is "MAN, WHAT AN AUDIENCE!" Now they were pumped up! I'm really looking forward to playing in Copenhagen again. Last time I stayed as long as I could, took pictures, signed autographs, and hung out until they through me out of the place! Very cool indeed!
7. Will we see the same line-up and songs being play at Copenhagen Jazz festival or do you have some surprises ?
I'm planning a different show, though for obvious reasons some of the material will be the same, and of course I will perform material from the new CD. Mike Manson returns on bass along with Gorden Campbell on drums, Shannon Pearson on vocals and Jef Lee Johnson on guitar. 2nd keys will be Kevin Randolph.
8. Besides Denmark where will the tour take you?
We're performing several shows in the Canary Islands. I'll also do a big band date in Luxemburg, and we've have just recently booked a couple of days at the Jazz Cafe in London. We have dates at the Montreux Festival, North Sea Festival, and several dates in Germany. We are still adding dates as of this writing. For those that are interested, the Appearance Schedule at my website is updated regularly, www.georgeduke.com
9. Lastly a hard one - will you do us your top 10 albums?
1. Miles Davis - Four And More
2. Milton Nascimento - Lo Borges Clube De Esquina
3. Sly & The Family Stone - Fresh
4. Weather Report - Mysterious Traveller
5. Sly & The Family Stone - There's A Riot Goin' On
6. Wayne Shorter - Native Dancer
7. Parliament - Mothership Connection
8. Miles Davis - Sorcerer
9. Herbie Hancock - Empyrean Isles
10.Igor Stravinsky - Rite of Spring
May 2005
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