Comments on: Al Jarreau | My Old Friend: Celebrating George Duke

By: A Scott Galloway

A Scott Galloway — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 22:38:24 +0000

Your recollection of Duke in concert is consistent with that of so many people. Duke oozed passion and demanded in kind from all of his band members. Their shows were unforgettable. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your recollections with me here at TUMS. Please look me up and friend me on Facebook. You would be a wonderful addition to my Friends Pool. have a wonderful weekend.

By: Jayne Hopson

Jayne Hopson — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 04:40:43 +0000

First, I thank you for your thoughtful response to my comments. I think your intuition is right, the tribute feels rushed. Duke as I am sure you know was a college professor. Donning his professorial cap I suspect he would have given this project an incomplete, with comments indicating there's some good music here, enough perhaps to muster a passing grade, but much more work needs to be done if this tribute is to be truly reflective of the honoree's musical gifts to the world. By the way, the first time I saw George Duke he was the opening act for who I cannot even remember. However, I clearly recall him playing with such passion and verve the main event felt anti-climactic.

By: A Scott Galloway

A Scott Galloway — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 17:33:53 +0000

Ms. Hopson, thank you for your powerful comment. I echo your sentiments as to the impact of the project overall but George Duke was a multi-faceted musician who sincerely loved all genres and styles. Nearly every musician on this Jarreau-led tribute worked with and loved Duke so I know there was a lot of love and respect in the studio. My intuition is that for some reason there was a tight deadline to get this project out thus it was rushed and not the very best it cold be. Still, there are 5 pieces out of 10 that I believe wholeheartedly reflect the spirit with which the entire project should have possessed. After all, this is Jarreau's tribute. A more definitive Duke tribute would likely be a double CD comprised of friends and admirers from across the spectrum of music paying homage in singular, highly personal pieces that would add up to a truly worthy whole. Respect.

By: Jayne Hopson

Jayne Hopson — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 15:42:54 +0000

Thumbs down on this anemic attempt to pay homage to the great George Duke. After careful listening to these 10 anemic selections I hear no evidence of sincere commitment to assemble a coherent selection of music and fresh arrangements that reflects Duke's passion, vision and decades long, loving dedication to his craft. What a disappointment from Jarreau who has for years been one of my favorite artists, and a man who collaborated with Duke during their formative years.