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George Duke - Guardian Of The Light (1983)

Posted By: v3122

Date: 25 Jun 2022 11:21:27

Coming to the close of his tenure with Epic records, Duke's great work seemed to be overshadowed by bunk. At the same time, he was becoming an in-demand producer with assignments from Jeffrey Osborne, Phillip Bailey, and Deniece Williams filling his schedule. Guardian of the Light reflects that strain. Released in 1983, Guardian of the Light also had the added baggage of a hard-to-follow concept of a fictional character's mystical exploits. This being George Duke, although the idea is odd, he was sure to get some good songs done here. It doesn't come easily however. Despite the good intentions, "Light," "Shane," and "Reach Out" differ little from the melodically challenged songs that typified his post-Brazilian Love Affair efforts. That being said, Guardian of the Light does include a classic. The gorgeous and soaring "You (Are the Light)" has Duke giving a particularly strong vocal performance. Duke also does one of his best Rhodes solos on the track as well. "Born to Love You" is also very affecting. This album closes with the rock-influenced and surprisingly effective "Fly Away." This effort is worth seeking out for its highs, but the middling work does seem to win out here.

by Jason Elias

George Duke - Guardian Of The Light (1983):

Tracklist:

A1 Overture
A2 Light
A3 Shane
A4 Born To Love You
A5 Silly Fightin'
A6 You (Are The Light)
A7 The War Fugue Interlude
B1 The War Fugue Interlude
B2 Give Me Your Love
B3 Stand
B4 Soon
B5 Celebrate
B6 Fly Away

Equipment & processing

Original ripper: uta5erika5
Original format: 32/384
Vinyl Condition: NM
Direct Drive Turntable: Denon DP-A100
Cartridge: Soundsmith Aida MKII ES
Amplifier: Manley Labs CHINOOK Special Edition MKII
ADC: RME ADI-2 Pro FS
Processing: iZotop RX9

Downsampled to 24/192