This new album from the affable California-born keyboard player and record producer encapsulates everything that George Duke is about musically – there are elements of soul, funk, jazz, pop and even spicy Latin flavours too, all tastefully blended into a delectable musical stew that reflects its creator's eclecticism and broad range of influences. What unifies all these seemingly disparate elements is Duke himself and the combination of his prodigious keyboard talent with his sophisticated musical sensibility. He can play any style – even rock - and make it sound authentic rather than contrived.
On 'Déjà Vu' – intended as a reflection of the musical territory he's covered in the past – Duke opens with a lithe Latin groove, 'A Melody,' which with its breathy, sensuous female backing vocals, recalls the keyboard player's classic 1979 album, 'A Brazilian Love Affair.' The subtlety of that song is followed by a slab of in-your-face funk called 'You Touch My Brain,' which is then juxtaposed by the smooth jazz fusion flavour of 'What Goes Around Comes Around' featuring the lyrical soprano sax of Everette Harp. 'Bring Me Joy' is a sweet nocturnal slow jam that oozes sensuality while 'Ripple In Time' – featuring the muted trumpet of Oscar Brashear – is an atmospheric jazz-infused homage to the great Miles Davis (whom Duke worked with in the late '80s).
'Oh Really' is a very soulful, gospel-inflected piece that recalls the piano style of Ray Charles, while on '6 O'clock Revisited' Duke shows off his soulful vocals over a driving funky backbeat. 'Come To Me Now,' another soulful vocal cut, is a mellow-vibed, Quiet Storm ballad that rides on a relaxed soul groove. Cast from a different mould is the brooding title track, which with its churning arpeggios pays homage to the pioneering jazz-rock-fusion sound of the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Different again is 'Stupid Is A Stupid Does,' an infectious slice of organic jazz-funk featuring trumpeter Nicolas Payton, flautist Hubert Laws, and saxophonist Bob Sheppard. It grooves along nicely before breaking down into a dramatic bridge passage that highlights the dynamic drumming of rising star, Ronald Bruner Jr. It's one of many highlights on what is a hugely enjoyable offering from the 64-year-old keyboard legend.
