Dream On
(1982)
This LP was released in 1982. The reason there is such a space between this LP and my solo record proceeding it, is that my production schedule was full, and I was touring with Stanley Clarke. This LP contained no big hit in the US, but made me an International star with my first major hit in Japan with the song "Shine On." The song was basically a dance song that caught on in Japan for some reason, and made it difficult for me to walk down the street in Tokyo without being recognized and followed by young girls. Weird huh? This just doesn't fit my profile. Well, my first tour as a solo artist in Japan came about as the result of this tune.
I made appearances on Soul Train and other music TV shows and had moderate success with this record in the US. Again, there are a lot of vocals in this record, and is still influenced by EWF.
In terms of the band, Ndugu is back on drums, and Byron Miller on bass. In fact, I had broken up the band, and this was my first record I had recorded in sometime without my vocal comrades sharing the lead vocals. Mike Sembello was the guitarist. So, the rhythm section was intact at least. By the way, Sheila Escovedo left The Duke and joined The Prince!
When I recorded "Reach For It," there was enough music for an additional track. So, I relistened to the original tape and "Son of Reach For It" began where the original left off. The original was so strong that I was convinced "Son" would garner as much airplay, because after all, it was the same track from the same session. But as fate would have it, it did not get much airplay, though it was still extremely funky.
I had so many requests regarding "Someday," that I decided to re-record it the same way I did the original, just Ndugu and me. But alas, the original had a special feel and the new one, though good, did not have the vibe of the original. The reason I re-recorded it in the first place, was that MPS had very little distribution in the States and I thought I might have a shot for extensive airplay with the proper push.
This became the last record I did with Kerry McNabb. He was so great - a tremendous loss to the world of music! After this record, Tommy Vicari worked for me full time.
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George Duke