After years of producing albums which were more pop/funk than jazz oriented,
George Duke simmers down, leaves off the R&B vocals, and takes a little creative license on the self-proclaimed "mood record"
After Hours. While his recent
Muir Woods Suite showed off his affinity for classical music, here he's at his best on the meditative
Vince Guaraldi-type trio ballads "Together as One" and "Sweet Dreams," which glide along on the improvisational and gently swinging graces of
Christian McBride and
Leon "Ndugu" Chancler. A whole project in this vein would have been welcome, but
Duke charters other new territory, too; on the easy grooving "The Touch" and the almost new agey "From Dusk Till Dawn," he borrows the actual Rhodes from
Joe Sample but winds up perfectly simulating
Bob James' "Taxi" vibe, especially on the exploratory solo on the latter tune. The untrained ear might swear it's an actual
James recording, but
Duke's a clever enough producer to go beyond strict imitation. "The Touch" achieves an intriguing low-toned brew, as
Sheridon Stokes' bass flute melody drifts gently over a hypnotic weave of
Larry Kimpel's bass and
Duke's Rhodes. And
Duke switches off liberally from piano to synth to Rhodes on the frenetic,
McBride and
Chancler driven musical traffic jam "Rush Hour/Road Rage," the only piece which recalls the zaniness of
Duke's best hard hitting R&B, only with a tougher fusion approach. Sound effects of a closing car door and shoes on pavement form the open door for the more relaxing, but never dull, evening that is to follow. ~ Jonathan Widran