"This for me is one of the great recordings of all time, just FLAWLESS! Given any affinity for soul, r&b, funk, fusion or jazz, you ought to LOVE this. Among a number of truly great audio artworks by George Duke this has to be either the very best or close to it. The audio is immaculate (both cd and vinyl - of which I have 3 copies). The rhythm section of Ndugu and John Heard (on the richest sounding acoustic bass you will ever hear) could not be tighter or more musical, Duke's singing and soloing are superb and 2 great Zappa solos are no small contribution either. Compositionally this is innovative, funky and soulful. I was elated to find out it is out on cd, both alone and in the compilation "My Soul" ($$$!). The compilation contains at least 2 other great releases, "I Love the Blues..." and "The Aura Will Prevail" (these two are also on "Three Originals"). These are also great works of art and genius. "Brazilian Love Affair" is another very fine disc. No words convey how great this music is."
A "must buy" '70's fusion masterpiece...One of the best!
Apu Sista | 08/20/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Well after years of waiting, this 1974 masterpiece finally came out on CD! Well I didn't totally do without it, I transferred my record onto tape and then onto CD some years ago, but now it's cleaned up, packaged and on the shelves and should definitely sell out! This is George Duke at his best, uniquely Dukey, very funky music with the most amazing keyboard solos and keyboards in general. Talk about 'feeeel'! 'Bend it like Duke' would be apt but his feel is also about unbelievable phrasing and choice of notes.(we should not speak of speed, bad word but he flies too!) Check out the solos on "Feel" and "Yana Aminah", sung by Flora (the latter solo is jazz like only Duke can do it) The line-up has Ndugu (Leon Chancler) on drums (check out his drumming on Weather Report's fabulous Tale Spinnin'), John Heard on bass (?), Airto and Flora and Obdewl'l X, the mystery guitarist who 'rocks' on song 2 ;) Well Zappa did have Duke playing on the incredible "Overnite Sensation" album so i guess that's fair. Speaking of funny names, wasn't it Duke who went by "Dawili Gonga" somewhere sometime?! The remastering is impeccable in addition to it being a great recording to start with. A recommend here, speaking of amazing Duke solos, check out Stanley Clarke's "Journey to Love", a great album with one of the best synthesizer solos of all time (and lots more). And of course, after you listen to this one, buy a "A Brazilian Love Affair". Coming back to this CD, just buy it!!"
Feel
Kim Hines | Niles, OH | 01/23/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm happy to be able to replace an album I once owned in LP format."
An Audiophiles Treasure
Mychal H. | Georgia, USA | 02/09/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This Cd takes me back to when I was first introduced to the genius of George Duke. The keyboard master truly struts his stuff as he combines jazz, rock, and funk throughout the CD. If you are an audiophile or just a George Duke fan, this is a must have for your collection."