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Jazz Workshop 1966

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Quite possibly the earliest record to ever feature pianist George Duke as a leader – and a set that's very different than his better-known work of the 70s! At first glance, the album appears to be a straight jazz outing, with Duke on acoustic piano – yet as we've come to expect from George, there's also a really unique twist – a sense of sound that's already reaching out way beyond the obvious, in soulful styles that really make the record a smoker! The quartet features some unique bass trumpet work from David Simmons – whose instrument has the depth of a trombone, but the pointedness of a trumpet – a great combination with the well-crafted basslines from John Heard, and the snappingly syncopated drumming of George Walker – who really makes the record cook with his rhythms – bringing in some great stepping styles that keep things swinging throughout! The arrangements are handled by Duke, who's clearly got a great ear for a groove even at this early age – bringing some 60s soul jazz magic to cuts that include a groovy cover of Duke Pearson's "Jeannine", plus "Days Of Wine & Roses", "Secret Love", "The Second Time Around", and "The Night Has A Thousand Eyes".  © 1996-2013, Dusty Groove, Inc.