George Duke – Dukey Treats

The compilation, as one would expect, is engineered in the highest quality. The disk features a starting line up of world class musicians, with the likes of guitarist Jonathon Butler, bassist Wayman Tisdale, the lovely Sheila E., sax man Everette Harp &…Oh…I’ll send a shout out to SoCal guitarist Ray Fuller. The vocal lineup includes heavy hitters: soul Divas Teena Marie & Rachelle Ferrell & love balladeer Howard Hewett.

Right from the start, track one, “Everyday Hero”, a funky intro is retro George Duke….syncopated with heavy pounding drums and soul agitating bass. George is in the middle on the Rhodes and Rachelle Ferrell on backing vocals….it is a delight, and just as you catch your second wind, track two “I Tried To Tell You” winds it down….It is a slow and smooth cut. Do I hear a little Atlantic Starr? Some Isley Bros.? Cut three, “A Fonk Tail’ (A history of inter-galactic fonk expeditions) starts with a strange George Clinton like narrative…this cut is straight out of Fonktron…

The CDs title cut, “Dukey Treats”, is a festive song laced with crushing synthesizer and bass, you’ll hear Sheila E. ‘gettin busy on percussion’ and a party crowd in the background. Track 5 – everything slows down again with “Listen Baby”, it’s subtle, smooth and sensual with George on lead vocals and vibes. “Somebody Laid It On Us” – track 7 & track 10 “Sudan”, are “polysoul” and is societal and reflective speaking to intercity violence and genocide. Jonathan Butler and Teena Marie have heart felt cameos. “Creepin'”- track 8, will definitely take some getting use to.

The final two tracks, 11 & 12, are Duke at his best. On “Are You Ready”, George delivers a very strong lead on vocals and the horn arrangements are terrific (reminiscent of Earth, Wind & Fire). “Images Of Us”, the last track, is in my opinion the best track on the disk. Jazz Fusion purists will love the masterful drum work of Ron Bruner, Jr. Do I hear Dave Weckl? George on the piano and synth….Do I hear Herbie or Chick?

On the cover of the CD, George is pictured holding a chocolate miniature of his keyboard, out of which is supposed to be a box of chocolate instruments, a Dukey Treat of sorts. That is a good analogy because like a box of ‘See’s Candy’, Dukey Treats offers something that you’ll like and something that you might pass on.

Add “Dukey Treats” to your collection. I am sure that there is something in this assortment to tantalize you.