Not very many of George Duke's recordings are of interest to jazz listeners, since he has spent much of his career as either a funk keyboardist or a pop producer. Despite the title, this album is not a very spontaneous set, for Duke is heard playing piano, various keyboards, guitar, drums, and organ, most of it overdubbed. The seven selections (which include "Mr. McFreeze," "Spock Gets Funky," and "Vulcan Mind Probe") do have their moments of interest, with some good grooves and melodies, and George Duke has long been proud of this particular effort. [Wounded Bird released the album on CD in 2004.] ~ Scott Yanow
George Duke is regarded as one of the greatest jazz keyboard players of all time. Almost all of his albums have been issued on CD, the one blatant exception is his work for MPS Records in the mid-70's. He put out three albums for MPS. In 1982 George himself hand selected what he considered to be the best tracks from those three albums and issued The 1976 Solo Keyboard Album. First time on CD! Wounded Bird. 2004.
Recording information: 1976.
Personnel: George Duke (guitar, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, Clavinet, Wurlitzer organ, mini-Moog synthesizer, drums, tambourine, bells); George Duke (Wurlitzer piano, Hammond b-3 organ, ARP synthesizer).
(*) MP3 for this song is from a different CD. Listen to the sound sample to be sure this is the version you're looking for.
1976 Solo Keyboard Album Music Review
Customer 1976 Solo Keyboard Album Reviews
Average Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)
All Time Classic! I'm very glad to see this album in
print at last.Swirrling funk like
"Mr.McFreeze" and "Spock Gets Funky'
are two of George Duke's most amazing
songs and the life he brings to the other solo piano numbers here are enough to make me wish he'd recorded
all his albums this way.For an introducation to Duke's talents as a
pure composer and performer,try this
album on for size! Submitted by Andre' (Bangor,ME.) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Have you heard this album?
Purchase 1976 Solo Keyboard Album CD
Customers Who Buy 1976 Solo Keyboard Album CD Purchase:
Share this Product