George Duke
Liberated Fantasies

The closing album in this MPS box set continues George Duke’s tendency to couple his fusion world with accessible R&B songs. Once again he shows a discernable vocal development. In Tryin’ And Cryin the Californian together with rock singer Napoleon Brock overlay multiple vocal tracks. On Seeing You Duke lays on a glaze of soulful tenderness, whereas What The… is 30 seconds of frivolous funning around. Back to Where We Never Left is a witty gem in which Duke bundles his pool of synthesizers into a united groove, whereas I C’n Hear That shows off synth and marimba tonal colors in dialogue, with the bass riffing on the bottom. The album flows into the final bend carrying along the sonorous richness of Brazil. After the Love plays with the languorous erotic colors of the tropics, whereas all the band members are allowed to shine on the epic circa ten minute title track with its hot samba flair: the rhythm section with "Ndugu", Al Johnson, and Airto Moreira’s percussion arsenal, Daryl Stuermer with his rock interludes on guitar, and Duke himself with inspired virtuosity on all sorts of synths and keyboards.