George Duke – Liberated Fantasies (Remastered) (2014/2020)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/88,2 kHz | Time – 39:58 minutes | 803 MB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © MPS
Liberated Fantasies is the eighth studio album by American keyboardist George Duke. It was recorded and mixed by Kerry McNabb at Paramount Recording Studios in Hollywood, California in 1976 and released through MPS Records, making it Duke’s seventh and final album for the label. The album features contributions from Alphonso Johnson and Leon “Ndugu” Chancler with guest appearances from several musicians, including vocalist Napoleon Murphy Brock, guitarist Daryl Stuermer, percussionists Airto Moreira and Emil Richards.
The closing album in this MPS box set continues George Duke’s tendency to couple his fusion world with accessible R&B songs. Once again he shows a discernable vocal development. In Tryin’ And Cryin the Californian together with rock singer Napoleon Brock overlay multiple vocal tracks. On Seeing You Duke lays on a glaze of soulful tenderness, whereas What The… is 30 seconds of frivolous funning around. Back to Where We Never Left is a witty gem in which Duke bundles his pool of synthesizers into a united groove, whereas I C’n Hear That shows off synth and marimba tonal colors in dialogue, with the bass riffing on the bottom. The album flows into the final bend carrying along the sonorous richness of Brazil. After the Love plays with the languorous erotic colors of the tropics, whereas all the band members are allowed to shine on the epic circa ten minute title track with its hot samba flair: the rhythm section with “Ndugu”, Al Johnson, and Airto Moreira’s percussion arsenal, Daryl Stuermer with his rock interludes on guitar, and Duke himself with inspired virtuosity on all sorts of synths and keyboards.
Tracklist:
1. George Duke, Al “Embamba” Johnson, Leon “Ndugu” Chancler – Don’t Be Shy (02:59)
2. George Duke, Al “Embamba” Johnson, Leon “Ndugu” Chancler – Seeing You (04:30)
3. George Duke, Al “Embamba” Johnson, Leon “Ndugu” Chancler – Back to Where We Never Left (06:25)
4. George Duke, Al “Embamba” Johnson, Leon “Ndugu” Chancler – What The… (00:30)
5. George Duke, Al “Embamba” Johnson, Leon “Ndugu” Chancler – Tryin’ & Cryin’ (05:48)
6. George Duke, Al “Embamba” Johnson, Leon “Ndugu” Chancler – I C’n Hear That (05:18)
7. George Duke, Al “Embamba” Johnson, Leon “Ndugu” Chancler – After the Love (02:32)
8. George Duke, Al “Embamba” Johnson, Leon “Ndugu” Chancler – Tzina (02:29)
9. George Duke, Al “Embamba” Johnson, Leon “Ndugu” Chancler – Liberated Fantasies (09:23)
