by Alex Henderson
When Faces in Reflection came out in 1974, the fusion revolution was in full swing -- and George Duke was among its most exciting keyboardists. He had yet to enjoy a major soul/funk hit with 1977's &Reach for It& or produce top-selling R&B artists like Jeffrey Osborne and Deniece Williams, and while Duke was doing some singing, instrumental jazz-fusion was still his main focus. This excellent, mostly instrumental LP finds Duke forming a trio with bassist John Heard and drummer Leon &Ndugu& Chancler, and the keyboardist really lets loose on such jazz/rock/funk gems as &Psychosomatic Dung,& &The Opening,& and &North Beach.& Meanwhile, Duke's interest in Brazilian music is underscored by a lively interpretation of Milton Nascimento's &Maria Tres Filhos.& Though Duke sings on the haunting &Faces in Reflection, No. 2,& it's important to stress that this is an instrumental album first and foremost. Faces in Reflection is not only the product of what was a very creative period for Duke -- it's also the product of what was a highly creative period for jazz in general.