Gigspot: George Duke | Jazz Cafe

Last night we had the pleasure of seeing legendary jazz-funk act George Duke at the Jazz Cafe. It was our first time seeing Mr Duke and we thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a night of masterful music that got very funky at times, especially towards the end - which suited us down to the ground! Happily, George & his band even threw in a short rendition of one of our favourite tracks of his called 'Shine On', which he explained wasn't usual for him these days as he "can't do that falsetto stuff anymore!"

George Duke is a class act and funny guy. His tour bassist, Michael Manson, deserves a mention because he was superb. Bass, just the way we like it. Check out our video from the night below and head over to our YouTube channel for two more videos. Long live the Duke!

Image of the month

This month's image is the Brothers Johnson. I love the way this image captures the blurred right hand of bassist Louis Johnson as he is slapping the life out of that bass guitar. Also, the low perspective has the effect of making Louis Johnson look larger than life and helps frame the image nicely.

You can hear our favourite Brothers Johnson tracks in Mixes 26, 22, 19, 15, 12, 4 and 2. There's also a feature on bassist Louis Johnson you might like to check out. Until next time!

Mix Forty One

Mix Forty One features James Brown, Rick James, Vernon Burch, Fats Gaines Band, Sharon Redd, Gwen McCrae, Billy Preston, Fatback band, Commodores - and newcomers Surface Noise.  It's yet another piping-hot serving of funky grooves!

Earth, Wind & Fire | Coming soon...

click to pre-order through VibeRide

The Columbia Masters
Pre-order through VibeRide's Amazon music store

A rigid slipcase boxset containing each individual album packaged in a replica mini-LP sleeve reproducing that album’s original cover art with an extensive booklet. This boxset includes the following albums:

Last Days and Time, Head to the Sky, Open Our Eyes, That's the Way of the World, Gratitude, Spirit, All 'N All, The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1, I Am, Faces, Raise!, Powerlight, Electric Universe, Touch the World, Heritage and Constellations (a new compilation supervised by Maurice White.)