Went to the NYC Blue Note to see Al Jarreau with the George Duke Trio (an amazing Terry Lynne Carrington on drums and Mike Mason on bass). I saw Al and George a number of times at the old Bottom Line (anyone remember - that was a great place for live music - West 4th St) separately and together. Al Jarreau doesnt have the vocal beauty he once had, but he is still a great performer and is one of the best scat singers around. But the night was George Duke's -- he had four solo sections with bass and drums and his two Yamaha keyboards and a grand piano. He played Road Rage, a tribute to Duke Ellington, Sweet Baby (from the Clarke Duke Project) and then closed the show by having everyone on their feet as he did some of his funk. He radiated joy as he plays. The man is still at the top of his game.And his playing went from emotional and gorgeous to wildly creative and astounding I flew out to LA in December to see DZPZ with George and it was worth the effort. The man is a national treasure and a genuinely nice person. And he announced that after the Return to Forever tour, he and Stanley Clarke were reuniting to do another Clarke Duke Project and tour. If only they would invite Billy Cobham to join them (I loved the Duke Cobham band as well) -- that would be a frightening trifecta (maybe Vernon Reid on guitar too?).
George rules.
And right there is the reason I hate school.
There are still tickets available for the Sunday night late show
WOOT! Wish I had known about this. Glad you had fun =)
Very informative,thank you.
NYC never ceases to provide spectacular live music. Sounds like a great time GMBG.. Cheers..