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,
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,
does include a classic. The gorgeous and soaring
"You (Are the Light)"
has
giving a particularly strong vocal performance.
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