This is the tune that really made me dig George Duke, primarily and Fusion in general.
Another example of the musical diversity available at the time. Foosh is bluesy, funky, and spacy on a number of levels, and it’s probably not for everyone.
From the album “The Aura Will Prevail” “75, itself somewhat a tour-de-force of what his musical approach will become. His unmistakeable sound will eventually be imitated by many in the business.
The tune is a re-vamp of one originally done when he and Jean-Luc-Ponty had a trio. This version is simpler with Duke on keyboards, Leon “Ndugu” Chancler drums, and Alphonso Johnson, bass.
Containing a lot of the humorous “munchkin” tones from his Zappa days are also incorporated, which to me says”he’s having a ball” playing this. Have a ball listening!
I first got hip to Gene Harris from the “Astral Signal” album, released the previous year(’75). “In a Special Way” is his next, and between the two, the former was the more popular and hence, the more familiar.
Both albums mark a departure from a simpler production approach to one more complex. I like it!
“Theme for Relana” is an update in style reflecting the young-up-and-coming style to the jazz influenced music of the time.
Careful listening reveals smatterings of a Lonnie Liston Smith-style bass line feel, along with haunting EWF vocal harmonies and guitar grooves. Notice can also be taken of the splendid french horn riffs during the changes, as if harkening the hunting call:”the fox has been run to ground”.
Through it all, Harris’ facility on piano comes through in staccato fashion like light rain will contain smoldering embers.
All in all, this track is an excellent blend of the new and old, and comes very highly recommended.
