Trumpeter and flugelhorn player Albert Jones, born May 6, is affectionately known to all friends and followers as “Duke”. A nickname is acquired from his favorite aunt, because of his love of music at an early age. A native of New York City via White Plains. Duke began playing trumpet at the age of nine. In elementary school and through White Plains High School, Duke played and formed a band with The Lewis Brothers and Sharon Bryant. The group, which ultimately became the popular R&B / Pop success “Atlantic Starr”, recorded their first two albums, “Radiant”(1980) and “Brillance” (1982), both featuring Duke. This led to the recording of Duke’s debut solo album for CTI Records entitled “Thunder Island”.
It is easy to grasp the concept that Suspended Memories is one of the greatest e-music trios ever. Each member - Steve Roach, Jorge Reyes, and Suso Saiz - had a brilliant solo career before forging ahead as a trio. Earth Island, the group's second CD, explores the concept of this planet as an island in the sea called the galaxy. The composition titles make references to the dawn of man and hide isolation and desolation. The music is deep, inspirational, and distant. Roach, Reyes, and Saiz bring their own spiritualities to the table along with their own sound worlds. When they emerge, they emerge as one. This disc is an amalgamation of three distinct entities that intertwine and interact seamlessly. They do not just bring out the best in each other; they bring the totality of each other. The dark atmospheres are full of ethnic spirituality and cultural richness. There are no holes. This is a great CD from a trio of great artists.