Customer Reviews

In a Mellow Tone

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I read a couple other reviews where George's vocals came into question on a couple of songs he had penned. Memo to reviewers...this is a George Duke CD. Who can sing lyrics to songs written with more feel for the essence of the song than the actual author? Read the liner notes. The vocals are wonderful!

That is like saying hey Dylan...your voice sucks! Man you guys are crazy and if you want pure feel and integrity of the music this CD flows and is a continuation of a long line of wonderful music produced by George Duke and his accomplished professional band of musicians. No packaging, no frills, just pure music.

George Duke never gets enough credit. Definitely get this CD, sit back and enjoy! Peace.

Well what can I say. Duke rarely puts out an unsatisfying CD and he does not disappoint here! It's very jazzy with upright bass (love that) and small scale arrangements. Just good musicianship from all participants.

In my opinion he sings VERY WELL.

A CD to play over and over again ;-)

Duke's third album on his own BPM label lives up to its title as the compositions here sport intimate smoky jazz club arrangements. Duke elegently tickles the ivories on the jumpy "Never Will I Marry", the lovely "Spring Is Here", "Quiet Time" and the closer "I Loves You Porgy". Guest musicians include Terri Lynne Carrington (drums), Everette Harp (sax) and fusion legend Airto (percussion). Vocally, Duke does fine on his remake of "Sweet Baby" and "Down The Road", but stumbles a bit on "For All We Know" and the title track. A better vocalist should have been hired for these two classic songs. Thankfully Duke's vocals play a minor role in this recording as he concentrates on what he does best--making that piano talk.

As a George Duke fan I found this CD to be a rare treat. The tracks remind me of vintage Duke with smooth piano rifts and great jazz sound. Jazz piano lovers will enjoy.

George Duke is at his best. "In a Mellow Tone" will put you in a mellow mood. "So Many Stars" will take you almost to heaven, and "Just Because" brings you to what made George Duke the jazz master that he is.

I love this cd and play it everyday. Duke's vocals are extraordinar on "Sweet Baby" just as they fit on everything he sings. Do I like this cd; of course, I absolutley adore it. Once you listen to it I guarantee you will to.

I really like this CD. Having enjoyed GD since his Zappa days I find this newest one to be more creative than the past few and really like some of the remakes of his own stuff. highly recommended.

This CD is like a fine wine that goes with every occasion. Just put it on and let massage the senses. I have been a fan of George Duke for many years now, and I must say he only gets better with time. I can listen to every song and it can take me to another place and time ( I personally like listening through the headphones). Try it, I think you will like "in a mellow tone". Most fav cut is 'never will I marry'

Musical master George Duke shows his Jazz Bee Bop style with the title song, from one Duke to another, Duke Ellington's- 'In A Mellow Tone'- smooth vocals,sweet horns(Everette Harp,Ray Fuller) and cool upright bass(Brian Bromberg). Duke gives one of the best renditions of the classic-"For all we know"-vocally and musically simple and sweet From the Cannonball Adderley years Duke offers Bromberg,Carrinton, Jackson all cruising on

"Never will I marry" a tight(Frank Loeser) instrumental . Check out the bass solos kicking drum licks -Teri Lyne Carrington . "Spring Is Here"- beautiful song reminds me of early Duke with Airto and Mayungo Jackson on percussions.'Sweet Baby' the essence of the hit song,just George piano and vocals. Classic!! Bee Bop and Scatting(Rodgers and Hart) "Down The Road" great horn arrangement,bass,drums and vocals.Lay back,chill and listen-Mike Millers-smooth acoustic guitar on Sergio Mendes- 'So Many Stars'-leads into a wonderful version of -'So I'll Pretend'- vocally,lyrically,musically superb!! This a lovely song.George picks up the pace with"Quiet Fire" mastering the keys with slow jazz ballad"Just Because" Duke tops this masterpiece off with solo piano on George and Ira Gerswhin classic "I Love You Porgy".This a must have CD if you don't have it get it , you'll love it!

George's voice does not do justice to his music. It would

be 5 stars if Dianne Reeves was the vocalist