"This is a very rare piece of work by Gerorge Duke because it gives us a glimpse into what George Duke's style would be like only a year later whith his landmark 1977 album "Reach for it". This album contains original renditions of songs such as "Love Reborn" that would later be heard on George Duke's "Brazilian Love Affair" LP, and is very experimental in nature because George was using keyboards and synthesizers that were new and prqctically untouched by musicians at that time. In fact, there are some improvisational moments on this record that nearly mirror what Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, and Don Cherry were doing in the late 60's and early 70's.
This album did not have world wide release. Actually it was not released until 1982 on Epic Records, and was mainly available in Japan when it first hit record stores. Anyone who loves jazz/fusion music must have this record in their collection, and I'm proud to say that I have this album on vinyl!!"
Best George Duke album EVER!!!!!
Andre' S Grindle | Bangor,ME. | 04/13/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Attention-this is IT!!!The 1976 Solo Keyboard Album is George
Duke's finest album-his statement of intent as he plays all the keyboards,guitar and even drums!While "Love Reborn" and "The Dream That Ended" are lovely acoustic piano solo's the heady
"Mr.McFreeze" is an amazing example of keyboard textures and
multi-layored grooves."Spock Gets Funky" gets DEEP into the groove as "Vulcan Mind Probe" is a searching electric fusion
movement.The themes from "Tzina" are probably the best movements
of the opera there are.As a matter of fact ALL George Duke fans and keyboard lovers:stop reading this review and GET THIS CD!!!!
Every moment of every song will be BEYOND well spent!!!!"
Hot Mike!
bluejim | San Leandro, California United States | 01/25/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This is a pleasant reminder of how Mr. Duke used multiple keyboards to create a singular voice when he first "blew up" on the 70's fusion scene. But I'm having a hard time getting past the acoustic piano going way up into the red zone every time he comes down hard on the keys. So unlike Kerry McNabb's other engineering work from that time."
The 1976 Solo Keyboard Album
D. S. HARDEN | L.A.,CA USA | 10/04/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Give George Duke credit on this effort. To be able to play all the instruments at any level of competence is an accomplishment.
Based on the recommendation of others, I took a chance on this album.
My take? Not bad, not bad at all. But, as I am a 'funk' fan of his, this album doesn't touch 'Reach for it.' Thus the three stars rating.
Maybe you'll think differently. I rate this work 3 stars."
Pure Creativity!
Andre' S Grindle | Bangor,ME. | 09/13/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Without commercial considerations in his way George Duke
assembled this album on whitch he plays all the instruments,even
the drums.To be sure not his instrument his work on Arp,moog,electric and acoustic piano here is dazzling and so
individual.His playfulness on the Arp alone is enough to put
"Mr.McFreeze" up there with Duke's best tune!"Spock Gets Funky" has almost too much bottom in it's KILLER groove while
"Vulcan Mind Probe" and "Tzina"-the best part of his opera I've
yet heard,leave you wanting more.And even I'll admit that this
would've made a terrific double album because the material here
is so incredibly strong.This is one of my favorite all time
funk-fusion albums-no vocals or indulgancies to get in the way