Illusions
(1995)
I don't know if I should say this again, but I like this CD. It was made to follow Snapshot, even with a follow up single to "No Rhyme, No Reason, called "Love Can Be So Cold." I like to call this album Snapshots' sister. It's 1995.
I kept the instrumental nature of the record strong. The first single "Love Can Be So Cold," while not doing as well as its predecessor, did garner a lot of radio play; and "Simple Things," to my surprise, became a Smooth Jazz Radio hit.
I put another one of those tunes with a lot of singers called "Life And Times." This one rocks! It has a little more of a gospel feel than the other ones, with a slammin' bass solo by Larry Kimpel. Featured is Rachelle Ferrell, James Ingram, Joyce Kennedy, Mervin Warren, Marvin Winans, The Emotions, Lori Perry, and Everette Harp.
I decided to write a tribute to the past on "Buffalo Soldiers." It's a kind of jazz - funk extravaganza with a narrative.
My cousin Dianne Reeves blesses us all with her voice on "So I'll Pretend." I love her so much!! She is a true talent that brings tears of joy to my eyes when I hear her sing. Also featured on this tune are Kirk Whalum on tenor sax, Ray Brown on bass, and Terri Lynn Carrington on drums. A great band!
Ray Fuller plays guitar on all but one track. This album really demonstrates the gift that he has to “play the spaces.” Ray doesn’t play a lot of notes, he instinctively feels where he should and should not play, putting just the right “thang” where it needs to be. He’s a brilliant listener! (more musicians should take heed).
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George Duke