Wayman Tisdale: The Wayman Tisdale Story (2011)

Original soundtrack to the 2011 documentary including a bonus DVD containing the documentary. The Wayman Tisdale Story is a feature length documentary celebrating the life and legacy of Wayman Tisdale, a three-time All-American, Gold Medal Olympian, former NBA star and world renowned Jazz musician who lost his two-year battle with bone cancer in May 2009. Rendezvous Music complements this telling of Wayman s story with a soundtrack featuring 13 tracks including the previously unreleased track, 'Slam Dunks', produced by Jeff Lorber. ~ Amazon.com

Tracklist:
01. Tell It Like It TIS (feat. George Duke) [04:51]
02. The Introduction [03:21]
03. Rebound (feat. Dave Koz) [04:20]
04. It's Alright [03:27]
05. Ready To Hang [03:59]
06. Let's Ride (feat. George Duke) [04:07]
07. One On One [04:11]
08. Gabrielle [05:14]
09. Way Up [04:05]
10. Slam Dunk [04:51]
11. Everything In You [03:56]
12. Glory Glory [04:58]
13. Cryin' For Me (Wayman's Song) (feat. Toby Keith) [04:43]
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Stanley Clarke: If This Bass Could Only Talk (1988)

This was bassist Stanley Clarke's twelfth solo set, and one of his very few that would be recommended to jazz (as opposed to funk and R&B) listeners. On the instrumental set, Clarke's bass is featured in a wide variety of settings, including duets with tap dancer Gregory Hines and drummer John Robinson, a quartet with Wayne Shorter ("Goodbye Pork Pie Hat"), in a power trio with guitarist Allan Holdsworth and drummer Stewart Copeland, a piece with George Duke (on acoustic piano for a change) and soprano saxophonist George Howard, a quartet with the synthesizers of Steve Hunt, and "Funny How Time Flies," which has a colorful Freddie Hubbard trumpet solo. Throughout, Clarke's bass has plenty of solo space, and he shows how strong a player he can be when given decent material. - Scott Yanow (AMG)

Tracklist:
1  If This Bass Could Only Talk - Clarke 2:30
2  Goodbye Pork Pie Hat - Mingus 6:25
3  I Wanna Play for You - Clarke 3:27
4  Stories to Tell - Clarke 3:47
5  Funny How Time Flies (When You're Having Fun) - Harris, Jackson, Lewis 6:05
6  Workin' Man - Clarke 6:26
7  Tradition - Clarke 7:11
8  Come Take My Hand - Clarke 4:09
9  Bassically Taps - Clarke 3:15
If This Bass Could Talk
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Stanley Clarke: 1 2 To the Bass (2003)

Stanley Clarke is without doubt a phenomenally talented bassist but has not done much to showcase this ability on his own recordings since the late '70s. You can chalk that up mostly to Clarke's propensity for trite, pop-oriented material that does little to illuminate his great technical command of the instrument or to engage the listener either melodically or lyrically. 1, 2, to the Bass is a step in the right direction with a more jazz-oriented feel and some interesting guest appearances. Rapper Q-Tip gets things off to a nice start on the title track which reimagines '90s hip-hop jazz as "quiet storm" R&B. "Simply Said" is reminiscent of Sting's more fusion-style originals with flutist Hubert Laws on a nice melodic hook. There is also an inspired reworking of the R&B classic "Where Is the Love" featuring Glenn Lewis and Amel Larrieux. Later on, if "Los Caballos (The Horses)" sounds a little too much like Madonna's "Borderline," and Oprah Winfrey's reading of Maya Angelou's "I Shall Not Be Moved" seems a bit out of place on an album that includes a song titled "Just Cruzin'," there's at least the "Rock It"-styled electro-disco-funk of "Bout the Bass." And don't forget the monstrous "freak" funk cover of "Hair" that almost redeems everything guitarist Joe Satriani has ever done. Perhaps not the exhilarating breakthrough one would hope, 1, 2, to the Bass is nonetheless a very exciting return to form. - AMG

Tracklist:
1  1, 2, To the Bass - Clarke, McKinley, Q-Tip (Fareed 5:55
2  Simply Said - Clarke 4:34
3  Where Is the Love? - MacDonald, Salter 4:06
4  Anna (She Loves the Good Life) - Clarke 5:01
5  Los Callabos (The Horses) - Clarke 4:41
6  Just Cruizin' (En Hommage - Wes Montgomery/George Benson/Pat Martino) - Clarke 4:26
7  'Bout the Bass - Clarke, McKinley 7:32
8  Hair - Graham 5:14
9  Touch - Clarke 6:04
10  All the Children/Todos los Ninos - Clarke 4:56
11  I Shall Not Be Moved - Angelou 6:37
12  Shanti Peace Paz - Clarke, Subramaniam 5:53
1 2 to the Bass
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George Duke: Illusions (1995)

George Duke is truly a music virtuoso. From his many contributions as a producer, arranger, writer, musician, and singer, the California native has laid down one grand effort after another. On this album, first and foremost, Duke utilizes this vast platform to express his musical passions. And in his own ingenious way, he voices his indiscreet discernment on the many virtues and vices of society. This set is eclectic, and at times, audaciously eccentric. Of the 13 selections, four are instrumentals and several are tinted with a sweet R&B coating. However, every number is seasoned with Duke's indelible jazzy melodies and interludes. The Synclavier-toting keyboardist is supported by an outstanding cast of performers, which includes the Emotions, Marvin Winans, Stanley Clarke, James Ingram, and Dianne Reeves, to name a few.

Tracklist:

1 Genesis - Duke 1:34

2 500 Miles to Go - Duke 5:00
3 411 - Duke 5:10
4 Love Can Be So Cold - Duke 5:42
5 Illusions Duke - 5:00
6 The Simple Things Duke - 5:16
7 Life and Times Duke - 6:07
8 Look What We Started Now Duke - 5:55
9 C'Est la Vie - Duke, Rudolph, Sembello 4:51
10 Buffalo Soldiers - Duke 4:50
11 Money - Duke 5:16
12 No Greater Love - Duke 4:46
13 So I'll Pretend - Duke 7:25
Illusions
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David Sanborn: As We Speak (1982)

It was about this time in his career that one sensed David Sanborn was getting a bit tired of the formula he was using on his records. However, his great popularity kept him from changing direction much. As usual, the highly influential altoist blows his heart out over a lot of funky rhythms on As We Speak, but surprisingly, he switches to his less notable soprano on four of the nine tunes. Bassist Marcus Miller is a key force in the background, leading the expanded rhythm sections through some pop-oriented material that is appealing but not too substantial. ~ Scott Yanow

Tracklist:
01. Port Of Call 04:28
02. Better Believe It 03:31
03. Rush Hour 04:43
04. Over And Over 04:12
05. Back Again 03:52
06. As We Speak 04:17
07. Straight To The Heart 03:26
08. Rain On Christmas 04:47
09. Love Will Come Some Day 06:17

Personnel: David Sanborn (soprano & alto saxophones); Michael Sembello (vocals, guitar); Bill Evans (saxophone); Robert A. Martin (French horn); Bob Mintzer (bass clarinet); Spike (IRT strings, synthesizer); James "Sugar Bear" Skelton (Hammond B-3 organ); George Duke (Clavinet); Don Freeman (keyboards, synthesizer); Marcus Miller (synthesizer, bass); Lance Ong (synthesizer); Buzz Feiten (guitar); Omar Hakim (drums, tambourine); Malando Gassama, Paulinho Da Costa (percussion); Cruz Baca Sembello (background vocals).

As We Speak
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Brian Simpson: South Beach (2010)

2010 is a breakthrough year for smooth jazz keyboardist Brian Simpson. The 1st single from his debut Shanachie release South Beach is the fastest-rising hit of the year on the Smooth Jazz Airplay charts.Already a top twenty, it is virtually guaranteed to be a smash hit when the album officially drops on August 31st. Brian is no stranger to radio hits; in fact his first single release went to #1 and stayed in the top 5 for 5 months! To quote Brian,"Wow, I've never had a song move up the charts this fast!" As music director for Dave Koz and keyboardist for such icons as Teena Marie and Janet Jackson, Brian Simpson has earned a stellar reputation for his funky grooves and brilliant melodies. He is a nominee for the 2010 American Smooth Jazz Awards Keyboardist of the Year and, as music director of the Smooth Jazz Cruise, appears before thousands of fans as he performs with such greats as Smokey Robinson, Dave Sanborn, Boney James and many more! As the buildup for the release of South Beach continues, Brian will be featured on the Smooth Jazz Top 20 countdown which reaches over 50 major markets. In addition, a national tour is being booked in support of the release. Brian will be featured on the Dave Koz radio broadcast and will be the featured performer at the American Smooth Jazz Awards Show in October. Highlights include the smash hit radio single "South Beach," a slammin' duet with groovemaster George Duke on "Fire Sign" plus the exquisite "Summer Song," featuring the acoustic guitar of Peter White.

Tracklist
01. South Beach
02. Can't Tell You Why
03. Lay It On Me (Feat. Euge Groove) )
04. Never Without You (Shawndra's song) (Feat. Peter White)
05. Paradise Island
06. Old Friends (Feat. George Duke)
07. All I Want Is You
08. Our Love
09. Summer's End
10. Moonlit Ocean
Personnel:
Brian Simpson: piano & keyboards
Tony Moore: drums, drum programming
Michael White: drums (2, 3, 6-9)
Oscar Sexton: drums (5)
Alex Al: bass (1, 3-5, 7, 8)
Smitty Smith: bass (2)
Larry Kimpel: bass: (5)
Ian Martin: acoustic bass (6, 9, 10)
Agape Jerry: guitar (1, 3, 7)
Darrell Crooks: guitar (2, 4-6, 10)
Peter White: acoustic guitar (4)
Yarone Levy: acoustic guitar (4, 8)
Brian Kilgore: percussion (1, 4-6, 8-10)
Lenny Castro: percussion (2, 3, 7)
Ron King: flugelhorn (2), trumpet (9, 10)
Euge Grove: tenor sax (3)
Steve Alaniz: tenor sax (4, 7, 8)
George Duke: synthesizer (6)
Brenda Kay Pierce: vocals (5)
South Beach
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George Duke: Thief in the Night (1985)

George Duke: Here are some great musicians on the record. Steve Ferrone did the majority of the drumming (aside from the Synclavier drums); Paul Jackson on guitar, Paulinho Da Costa on percussion; and Louis Johnson on bass.I had some valid musical ideas, but they just couldn't be sustained by my vocal ability. In other words, in general the material is good, but I should have used other lead vocalists whose voice and vocal ability fit the songs better.

Tracklist:
01. I Surrender
02. Thief In The Night
03. Remembering The Sixties
04. We're Supposed To Haven Fun
05. Ride
06. Love Mission
07. Jam
08. Why
09. La La
Personnal:
George Duke - Rhodes,Synclavier II,acoustic piano,vocals,Yamaha PF15
Louis Johnson - bass
Paul Jackson,Jr. - guitar
Steve Ferrone - drums
Paulinho Da Costa - percussion,background vocals
Lynn Davis - background vocals
Lena Sunday - background vocals
Ricky Lawson - hi hat,cymbals
Alice Murrell - background vocals
Carl Carlwell - background vocals
Robert Brookins - background vocals
John Robinson - drums
Jon Fiore - lead vocals,background vocals
Howard Hewett - background vocals
Deniece Williams - background vocals
Chuck Gentry - guitar
Thief in the Night
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George Duke: In a Mellow Tone (2006)

Straightforward small combo jazz (basically an electric/acoustic piano trio with occasional guitar, reeds and percussion) of a kind that George Duke’s detractors say he has long since abandoned, In a Mellow Tone is indubitably a mainstream jazz record with little adventurous spirit and a sound that occasionally even verges on the easy listening horrors of smooth jazz.

However, as such albums go, it’s more than pleasant, with Duke’s underrated piano and Fender Rhodes technique driving the songs. As the Duke Ellington-derived title track suggests, this is a low-key effort that disdains showboating solos or flashy rhythmic changes, and its equal split between familiar standards like “Never Will I Marry” and mellow, melodic Duke originals holds few surprises. The one inarguable flaw is that Duke’s vocals, never his strong suit, verge from forgettable to intrusive on their handful of tracks.

Aside from that, at least two-thirds of In a Mellow Tone is relaxed, but never soporific, mood music. Though that may seem to be damning with faint praise to the jazz faithful who remember Duke’s far more passionate early work, In a Mellow Tone largely fulfills the aesthetic demands it set out for itself.

Tracklist

1 In A Mellow Tone

2 For All We Know
3 Never Will I Marry
4 Spring Is Here
5 Sweet Baby
6 Down The Road
7 So Many Stars
8 So I’ll Pretend
9 Quiet Fire
10 Just Because
11 I Loves You Porgy
Personnel
George Duke - piano , vocal
Brian Bromberg – bass
Terri Lyne Carrington – drums
Mike Miller – acoustic guitad
Airto Moreira – percussion
Manyungo Jackson – percussion
Ray Fuller – electric guitar
Everette Harp – saxes
Dennis Farias – flugelhorn , trumpet
In a Mellow Tone
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