There are several different major “old school” R&B styles represented on this album, all spread on a blanket of jazz and performed through my lens. Those of you that know me realize that I like my funk and R&B mixed with a heavy dose of jazz. A brief overview of each song is given below:

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1. Everyday Hero – This is the first tune I wrote for the album. I wanted something funky that had something relevant to say. It is sort of a Sly vibe on steroids. Young Ron Bruner kicks it off and is shortly joined by Jef Lee Johnson-guitar, Mike Manson-bass, and me. Rachelle Ferrell and Lori Perry chime in from time to time extolling the many everyday heroes who are generally taken for granted. The tune is really an instrumental “everybody funk together” kind of tune with vocal fills – and I LOVE IT!!

2. I Tried To Tell You – gives me the chance to play some sensitive Dukey piano and lead synth on what is a classic R&B ballad vibe. The song also features Josie James and Dee Dee Foster on vocals.

3. A Fonk Tail – The history of the intergalactic fonk expeditions and the birth of “Ooh”. I think this narrative is self-explanatory. I’ve often wondered what happened to “funny funk”? What happened to fun & comedy in R&B? This track is recorded in that old school tradition.

4. Dukey Treats – was recorded with my original “Reach For It” band and has all the lose talk and fun that we had back in the day. On hand was Ndugu-drums, Byron Miller-bass, Sheila E-perc, Josie James, Lynn Davis, Napi-vocals and Sweet D. Rounding out the original band was Jef Lee Johnson on guitar as Icarus couldn’t make the session.

5. Listen Baby – is a smooth Marvin Gaye type cut where I sing in my falsetto voice. Michael “Patches” Stewart plays muted trumpet throughout giving the song that real soulful smooth jazz type feel. Just lay back and let the vibe groove you—

6. Mercy – Once again my original “Dukey Stick” band takes the stage for the second time with the singers exchanging lines the way we used to back in the day. Special guest guitarist Wah Wah Watson joins the band doing what only he can do! Kamasi Washington, a talented young tenor sax player joins in playing that jazz thing – I just love jazz in my fonk!

7. Somebody Laid It On Us – One of the more serious songs in the package deals with the origins of greed. Greed and envy are the reasons for most of the problems in the world today - in short it is killing us physically and spiritually!

8. Creepin’ ghoulie mix – The tune was originally recorded for my Face The Music” CD. I decided to remix it with a different intent. Many of my original funk band members participated along with Howard Hewett and Lori Perry. The song deals with the funnier side of cheating. (oh well).

9. Right On Time – is written in the style of “No Rhyme No Reason”. Once again I’m singing in my falsetto voice and Rachelle Ferrell absolutely throws down at the end of the song. Wayman Tisdale plays the Bass Fills and is quite fonky. I play some nice jazz piano and by the time the bridge comes around, I’m not just knee deep in the fonk – my synth solo is submerged in the fonk – hello!

10. Sudan – Another one of the more serious songs on the album, which deals with the human tragedy that has been carried out in Darfur. Joining me to talk about it is Jonathan Butler and Teena Marie. The song is not as much a political statement as it is an awakening to the tragic human situation being extolled there.

11. Are You Ready – is very much in the style of and a tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire. What I always loved about their style was not just the great music but also the positive messages - peace, respect, and tolerance. It is a fitting song to follow Sudan as it is up to all of us to call attention to these injustices wherever they occur – are you ready?

12. Images Of Us – is a jazz/funk instrumental that gives me the chance to build a keyboard solo over an extended period of time. The tune is basically a jam vehicle for the rhythm section over a sometimes-syncopated bass pattern.

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OK - that’s the album. I want you to know that I had a great time making this album and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do – Peace Out!

George Duke