Master Of The Game

George Duke

Released on 16/05/79 by Epic
Main artists: George Duke
Genre: Jazz Fusion & Jazz Rock
Distinctions: The Qobuz Essential Discography

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Although George Duke first made his mark as a jazz instrumentalist, late-1970s classics like Reach for It, Don't Let Go, and Follow the Rainbow made it clear that he could also be an expressive R&B singer. But he didn't want to handle all of the lead vocals himself; so during that period, his role was that of a producer/keyboardist/songwriter who was more than happy to share the lead vocals with Lynn Davis, Josie James, and others. Davis enjoyed a lot of exposure on R&B stations when, in 1979, Duke featured her on "I Want You for Myself," the haunting single that made Master of the Game one of his best-selling albums. Her charismatic performance makes the listener wonder why she never had a solo career; the talent was certainly there. This album contains a few jazz fusion instrumentals (including the Latin-flavored "Dog-Man"), but it's an R&B release first and foremost -- and those who like Duke as an R&B artist will find this album to be enjoyable, if less than essential. "I Want You for Myself" and the mellow, Stylistics-influenced "Every Little Step I Take" are gems, but most of the other selections are merely decent instead of excellent. On the whole, this album isn't in a class with Reach for It, Don't Let Go, or Follow the Rainbow, which are arguably his most essential R&B-oriented albums. But it has more pluses than minuses and is worth having in your collection if you're a serious fans of Duke's late 1970s/early 1980s output.

© Alex Henderson /TiVo

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Master Of The Game

George Duke

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Look What You Find (Album Version)

00:04:44

Ricky Lawson, Drums - Sheila Escovedo, Percussion - Napoleon Brock, Vocal - Gary Herbig, Flute - Gary Herbig, Alto Saxophone - Gary Herbig, Tenor Saxophone - Gary Herbig, Piccolo - David Myles, Acoustic Baritone Guitar - David Myles, Electric Guitar - David Myles, Sitar - Kerry McNabb, Background Vocal - Tony Martell, Executive Producer - Tommy Vicari, Engineer - Byron Miller, Bass - Brian "BIG Bass" Gardner, Mastering Engineer - Josie James, Vocal - G. Duke, Composer - G. Duke, Lyricist - George Duke, Vocal - George Duke, Composer - George Duke, Producer - George Duke, Performer - George Duke, Harp - George Duke, Organ - George Duke, Arranger - Lynn Davis, Vocal - Jerry Hey, Trumpet - Jerry Hey, Flugelhorn - Vic Anesini, Mastering Engineer - Bill Reichenbach, Trombone - Erik Zobler, 2nd Engineer - Mitch Gibson, 2nd Engineer -