Comments for Duke Jupiter, Band In Blue

This album was Duke Jupiter''s third, however their second with this lineup. The album came off the heels of "Taste the Night" and "Sweet Cheeks" during times of what seemed like broken dreams for the band. Prophesized through the title track, this would be their last attempt at a funk-rock style featuring two guitarists. The album was produced by Steve Katz (formerly of Blood Sweat and Tears?). The album as a cohesive LP lacks a bit of continuity or flow, but some of the selections are gems. Duke Jupiter classics such as "Band in Blue", "If you Love Her", "Gold Coast", "Take me Home Jericho", and the soulful Styler all-time classic "Gonna Be There". It''s difficult to get over the lack of imaging in the mix-down on the three Mercury LP''s, especially "Taste the Night" and "Band in Blue", and it would be a welcomed project to remix and issue on CD, but are there enough fans? Well, a marketing strategy needs to be put into place, such as use of some of the songs in a movie soundtrack.... ah, but for the band in blue will it ever come true? These guys had paid their dues and wrote some rich music, and somehow were passed over by the industry. Listen to the soulful and technique-rich piano playing of Marsh Styler, solid rock guitar from Greg Walker, with the latin/jazz feel of Don Marale''s guitar, superb jazz drumming from Dave Hanlon, and holding it all together, George Barajas on bass. The gravel almost Burton Cummings meets Edwin Starr vocals of Marshal Styler are balanced by the southern rock vocal style of Greg Walker. Seeing the band live during the period of this album yielded a high energized two sets of jazz funk rock containing all their music at that time. and now Santana''s got Donny''s guitar sound on his latest album.....Donny, you were ahead of your time! Sam Scozzari former house DJ, Red Creek Inn, Rochester NY 1983-1986, now residing in Suffield, CT. January 30, 2000

Greg Walker - Guitar/Lead Vocals/Background VocalsGeorge Barajas - Bass/Background VocalsMarshall Styler - Keyboard/Lead VocalsDavid Hanlon - Drums/Syndrums/PercussionDon Maracle - Guitar