Cool
(2000)
This became my last album for Warner Brothers and overall I like it.
The first track "Marin City" is actually autobiographical, the lyrics are historically accurate. I called on my good friends and vocalists Philip Bailey, Robert Brookins, Howard Hewett and some new vocalist friends the Johnson Sisters, who were the background singers for the Isley Brothers, to help me croon.
"Wake Up And Smell The Coffee" is a situation that many musicians can identify with - I mean this is real, with a little humor (you know me!) Kim Johnson as the distraught woman - she's great, what else can I say?
"She's Amazing" is another tune in the style of "No Rhyme No Reason" but is not an extension of that story line. Chante Moore shines at the end.
"If You Will" is a pseudo Brazilian groove that features scat singing by Flora Purim.
This brings up and interesting observation for me. This is the last album I've recorded (so far) with predominantly machine drums. I programmed the drums to be if not exactly realistic, at least interesting. Even so, after this album I sought after a real drummer to execute my grooves.
"Never Be Another" was originally produced and recorded for contemporary gospel group Anointed's album. The song didn't make their album, but I always liked it, so I revised it for my album. It's a nice groove and I think a special song - in fact it is Anointed.
"Ancient Source" is another special song, maybe the precursor to "My Piano" from the Face The Music" CD. I tried to show the connection of all African derived music by including African, Jazz and Contemporary Urban musical styles all together at one time. The drum programming is fairly elaborate on this one - I like it! The song is supposed to be a musical collage.
"Only You Understand" brings my original funk rhythm section back together for another hit. The title is really fitting because in many ways only they understand how to play this music - I'm speaking of Byron Miller on bass and Ndugu on drums. Ray Fuller on guitar fits perfectly with this rhythm section because he's musically sensitive and really listens.
"If He Ain't Mr. Right---" This was a continuation of a more conversational approach to singing that I started with "No Rhyme" - it's just a different vibe.
"Sexy Cool" - I like situational songs that develop a story line over time, this is such a song. Visualize the scene, a man running into an old flame and wondering - what if, if I only---- you know!
"All About You" features Kim Johnson and the Johnson Sisters. They have that young sound that I wanted on this album. Jef Lee Johnson on guitar really adds what this song needs.
"Whatever It Takes" is an instrumental with a pop/jazz feel.
You know I think it's time to mention that this and the majority of the songs on this album have Jef Lee Johnson playing guitar. This was the first album of mine he played on and set the stage for our future work together which is still ongoing.
"The Times We've Known" was written by French composer Charles Aznivour. Charles is a national hero in France and an incredible songwriter with songs being covered by artists from all over the world. This happens to be a song that I performed in Montreux as part of a tribute to him. Obviously I put my own thing into it.
I was going through an awful time in my private life and this song really spoke to my heart. In fact, it's difficult for me to perform this song without tears.
My wife had just undergone a serious operation and there were complications. I'm happy to say that everything is OK now, but at the time I didn't know what to think and was totally depressed! I didn't know what was wrong with me at the time, but I realized later that I had to allow myself time to grieve even though she was quite alive. I didn't seek professional help because I didn't think it was that bad, but I'll tell you still to this day it does not take much thought to put me emotionally right back at that moment in time. I had to find a place to put this hurt and in many ways this song helped me through this period of time. I thank Charles and I thank God for bringing me through.
I have since had many emails, letters and phone calls about this song - believe me this song spoke to many people.
"At A Glance" is a sort of throwback to the way I used to record in the 70's. I used all my old analog instruments where one orchestrates one note at a time - no presets, no stereo synths, etc. Arp Oddysey, Mini Moog, Rhodes with echoplex, Piano, and my buddies Ndugu and Byron in the rhythm section.
-
-
George Duke (With Chante Moore)