By the time this interview was recorded in 1978, Duke had recorded and toured with Jean-Luc Ponty, Frank Zappa, Cannonball Adderly, Stanley Clarke, and Billy Cobham — covering jazz, rock, and everything on the spectrum in between before heading in a more straightforward funk direction with 1977’s Reach For It and its 1978 follow-up Don’t Let Go. Duke openly admits in this interview of trying to avoid being pigeonholed in any specific genre, and has a lot to say about the state of music in the late 1970s. Indeed, his views are as relevant today as when they were first recorded.
Click here to hear the whole interview.
Note:
‘Whatever happened to Shuggie Otis?’ is the only unanswered question in this interview. As you know, Shuggie Otis played Bass on Frank Zappa’s song “Peaches En Regalia”, from his “Hot Rats” Album.
October 11th, 2008 at 4:55 pm » Quote
I vaguely remember reading that Shuggie Otis passed away a couple of years ago. I could be wrong, though…
October 11th, 2008 at 5:10 pm » Quote
P.S.—After Googling Shuggie, it says he a semi-recluse and in poor health, but played some gigs in 2001. Rumors of his death may be premature (sorry, Shuggie!).
October 12th, 2008 at 11:11 am » Quote
His 1974 album, “Inspiration Information” was rereleased by David Byrne’s “Luaka Bop” label a few years ago. At that time, he appeared on “The Conan O’Brien Show” and played “Strawberry Letter 23″ (I couldn’t find it on Youtube, but you can listen to that song and some others there). Recognizing the name, I got the CD. Very sexy R&B and very highly recommendable. Like Prince, he plays just about every instrument on the album. I think “Luaka Bop” later released another album by him, but I haven’t heard it. Anyone with the slightest interest should check out “Inspiration Informmation”, though. Everytime I play it, people ask who it is and really dig it. Also, it has the original version of “Strawberry Letter 23″, which was a hit for the Brothers Johnson.