Two early George Duke essentials reissued on WallenBink Records limited-edition ‘Black Forest 45s’ series
UK-based label WallenBink has launched a fantastic series called Black Forest 45, focusing on reissuing remastered essential 60s and 70s era jazz selections from the vaults of legendary German label SABA/MPS, in a new never-released-before 7inch format.
Each release in the 10-part series is exceptional, however one that quickly caught my eye was 45rpm record featuring two jazz dance classics, “My Soul” and “Au Right” from the late jazz-funk great George Duke. Both of these tracks, which capture the keyboardist, producer, and composer at an early stage of what would be a phenomenal career, are featured on the not-too-often seen 1973 album The Inner Source. This album was recording following Duke’s time collaborating with Frank Zappa’s Mother of Invention, and around the time he began playing with the Cannonball Adderley Quintet. Around this same period, MPS commissioned Duke to produce what would unfold as one of his greatest albums, and one that helped set the foundation for the direction in which he would continue to evolve his own fusion sound.
For each track featured on this 7inch release, there is a nice blend of both soulful electric and acoustic piano melodies, mixed with funky bass grooves and Latin-influenced percussion. Even though these tracks do not receive the same commercial attention as some of his later work, they represent two of his most notable material.
Other artists featured in the Black Forest 45 series include choice selections by Nathan Davis Quintet, The Dave Pike Set, Monty Alexander, Wolfgang Dauner Quintet, Baden Powell, Mark Murphy, and more. Each well-crafted record features audiophile-grade vinyl and glossy heavyweight covers, and is limited to just a single-pressing. With that being said, I highly recommend quickly checking out all the volumes in this remarkable series.
George Duke — ‘My Soul / Au Right’ 7″
(Originally Released: 1973 / MPS Records)
(Reissued: 2021 / WallenBink)
A SIDE: My Soul
B SIDE: Au Right
