Personnel: George Duke (vocals, guitar, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, Clavinet, keyboards, synthesizer, vibraphone); Leon "Ndugu" Chancler (vocals, rap vocals, drums); Josie James (vocals, rap vocals, background vocals); Howard Hewett, Lori Perry, Lynn Davis , Kenya Hathaway, Byron Miller, Napoleon Murphy Brock (vocals, rap vocals); Christian McBride (vocals, upright bass); Lil John Roberts (vocals, drums); Jim Gilstrap, Jonathan Butler, Lynne Fiddmont, Rachelle Ferrell, Teena Marie, Terry Dexter (vocals); Sheila E. (rap vocals, percussion); Darrell Cox (rap vocals); Jef Lee Johnson (guitar, acoustic guitar); Teddy Campbell (guitar, drums); Larry Kimpel, Wah-Wah Watson, Ray Fuller (guitar); Everette Harp (alto saxophone); Dan Higgins , Larry Andrew Williams, Kamasi Washington (tenor saxophone); Michael "Patches" Stewart (trumpet); Reggie C. Young (trombone); Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Lenny Castro (percussion).
Audio Mixer: Erik Zobler.
Recording information: Le Gonks West, Los Angeles, CA.
Photographer: Bobby Holland .
Throughout his multi-decade career, George Duke has accompanied such luminaries as Frank Zappa and Jean-Luc Ponty, he's shone brightly on both acoustic and electric keyboards, and he's led or co-led cutting-edge and funky fusion bands. Without coming across as overtly old-school, DUKEY TREATS finds Duke revisiting assorted styles and approaches that helped make him a bestselling and enduring performer. Some tracks are fluid fusion jazz that highlight skillful musicianship; others pay clever but heartfelt homage to the creative soul and funk of Marvin Gaye, Prince, and the Gap Band. Vocals guests Jonathan Butler and Teena Marie help make this a set of tasty TREATS.
Professional Reviews
Down Beat (p.69) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "It's great to hear producer extraordinaire George Duke bust out with the soul music he apparently grew up loving -- and with some social punch, as well."
JazzTimes (p.75) - "'Listen Baby' is a time-capsule R&B ballad straight from the '70s showcasing Duke's falsetto, and 'Right on Time' matches it in style but with Rachelle Ferrell's sweet soul matching Duke's for intensity."
