Robin Duhe - Do It Duhe - 2003 - Blaise Two

Having reviewed Robin Duhe's latest CD we thought it a great idea to highlight his last set from 2003, "Do It Duhe", which is still very much available. A funkier set and perhaps less Maze-orientated than his latest essential offering, this album really fits in with the funky Jazz-fusion material that the likes of Evan Marks, Eddie M or the late, great Wayman Tisdale was putting out in the late 90s / early 00s. The Tisdale-ish uptempo number "Do It Duhe" opens the set in a strident, no-nonsense fashion. Rodney Franklin sounds great on Fender Rhodes and Strings and the chunky rhythm reminds me of the tougher material on Darryle Chinn's excellent Mojazz album from 1996. The brilliant ex-Tower Of Power / Jeff Lorber / solo vocalist Michael Jeffries appears on a number of songs - first up is the urban jam "Satin Girl" which also features the spoken word at the start by Curtis V.

Jazzier is the gorgeous "Cruis'n" which features Michael Jeffries again and a great Marcus Miller styled bassline courtesy of our hero, Robin Duhe! Trust me, this track is superb. A Maze-like groove appears with much aplomb on "Act Like You Know", and Vince Lars' sax is absolutely top-notch. The crowning glory for me on this album, however, is the brilliant midtempo effort "Real Deal" which again features the classy Michael Jeffries. This track is summer personified...the 80s-styled rhythm guitar, synths, Billy Johnson's drum work and James Henry's percussion make this a really strong, memorable cut. Definitely a highlight of the set it was a firm favourite of Richard Searling back at the time and no wonder...a great track. Fans of Kool and The Gang will soon recognize Odean Mays on the Marcus Miller-ish "When We're Making Love". Keith Simons takes centre stage as lead vocalist on "Nia" and steals the show along with Ron Smith's lush acoustic guitar. Lovely! A release that needs to be checked out or dug out the collection for re-appraisal. Y2K niceness!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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Robin Duhe - Life - 2010

Robin's first album in 6 years, and one that is equally as essential as the previousset (review to come) it has been something of a long journey for Robin between these two releases, and reading the booklet it's totally understandable why we have not heard much from this great, great bassist. The album is dedicated to everyone who has been affected by cancer. Robin had been diagnosed with cancer, was hospitalised and, thank God, recovered. This dedication certainly warms my heart as my family has had this terrible thing visited upon it, and my father is currently fighting this, and having very nearly lost him once one can pick up a lot more from this album...it has real emotion and sentiments such as hope, positivity as well as recognising the beauty and true meanings in life that it serves as more than a mere CD release. It's moral support. It's guidance and it's damn good to boot!

We all love this man's work, one way or another. His sterling work with Frankie Beverly and Maze is unrivalled, his solo work of an equally high standard..."Life" is a solid outing of soulful vocals, warm, jazzy instrumentals and plenty of funky basslines. Fans of Maze will really dig this set. Possibly more so than his last album. "Happy Feelin's" is revisited here...oh, that Bay area sound is just so delicious...I miss it so, so much. If only we were treated to a NEW Maze album...is it asking too much? 'Til then we have such gems as "Life (Gets In The Way)" which features that warm bay area sound, underpinned by the synth...Tony Lindsay is the brilliant, brilliant vocalist on here and with backing vocalists from Larry Baptiste and...Claytoven! This is a superb song and it's message is so, so positive yet very down to earth and real. This from a man who has experienced life getting in the way. Very much so.

For lovers of vocal tunes, the brilliant Derick Hughes appears on the gem "Where Are You". Again, the Maze sound is strong in a jazzy sort of fashion! He also graces the uptempo "Say It" with some great guitar work very much in the vein of Marcus Miller! I spoke of beauty earlier didn't I? To me there is nothing more precious, beautiful or awesome that a spectacular sunset, and the gorgeous instrumental, "Sunset" captures that feeling perfectly...the Marcus Miller-style warbling bass, and soulful, haunting synth work perfectly in tandem. "He Will See You Through" features Robin Duhe on a spoken word..he narrates a story of a successful man who loses all that he holds to be dear...and then loses this to discover how rich he actually was without the material trappings. I trust this to be very personal a tale...but if so, one can listen to this CD and realise what great power, strength and inner peace he has drawn from his experiences. I am so pleased - seriously - that Robin got his health back. It's success stories like this, and positive works such as this that should give strength and encouragement to all who hear it. A beautiful, well-crafted and essential album. Welcome back, Robin.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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