Record Reviews

GEORGE DUKE ~ FACES IN REFLECTION PROMISING MUSIC 44103 (Barcode: 602517546479) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1973 Released: 2008 American keyboardist / composer George DukeFind albums by this artist first came to prominence in the late 1960s, when he recorded with the French violinist Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist, who was invited to record in the US following his festival appearances. The association with Ponty opened quite a few doors for Duke, eventually leading to his stint with Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, as well as his recording contract with the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label. He recorded 8 albums for the label between 1971 and 1976, of which this was the 3rd. Duke was a strange choice for MPS, as it concentrated mainly on presenting the European Jazz scene (the only exception was a series of albums recorded by Oscar PetersonFind albums by this artist), with strong Avant-Garde and later European Jazz-Rock Fusion, which was much more advanced that its American counterpart. Although Duke was closely associated with the US Jazz-Rock Fusion scene in the 1970s, playing with such prominent musicians like Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist, Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist and many others, his Fusion approach was strongly based on Blues, Funk and Soul, his “native” musical areas. Therefore his MPS recordings can be considered as some of the most commercial and accessible recordings ever released by this label. On this album Duke uses a trio (John HeardFind albums by this artist – bass and Leon Ndugu ChanclerFind albums by this artist – drums) and plays a wide array of synthesizers. He composed all but one of the tunes (the only composition, which isn’t his is by the Brazilian genius Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist, and points towards Duke’s fascination with Brazilian music, which would flourish later in his career). There is no doubt about Duke’s brilliant technique as a player and his use of synthesizers is revolutionary at that time, but the compositions are definitely on the lighter side of Jazz and his vocals (however sparsely used) completely unnecessary. As much as I like Duke’s playing and many of his recordings, this is not one of his absolute highlights, even if it is much better that most of his later recordings starting from the 1980s and up to now. Nevertheless it is still a solid and enjoyable album worthy of being remembered. Of course many of his fans will enjoy this quality reissue with beautifully remastered sound and superb packaging.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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