Guardian of the Light

by George Duke

Overview

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. ~ Jason Elias

Product Details

Release Date:	10/26/2018
Label:	Funky Town Grooves
UPC:	0887254109525
Rank:	58666

Tracks

1. Overture
2. Light
3. Shane
4. Born To Love You
5. Silly Fightin'
6. You (Are the Light)
7. The War Fugue Interlude
8. Reach Out
9. Give Me Your Love
10. Stand
11. Soon
12. Celebrate
13. Fly Away
14. Reach Out [12" Version]
15. Celebrate
16. Brazilian Love Affair

Album Credits

Performance Credits

George Duke   Primary Artist
Patti Austin   Guest Artist
Michael Sembello   Guest Artist
John "4 Daddman" Robinson   Guest Artist
Louis Johnson   Guest Artist
Jeffrey Osborne   Guest Artist
Paulinho Da Costa   Guest Artist

Technical Credits

George Duke   Composer,Liner Notes
Matt Murphy   Production Manager
Maria Triana   Mastering
Tony Calvert   Reissue Producer
Gavin Wallace   Package Design
Randy Mahon   Assistant Producer