Hurricane Ike deprived Houstonians of many things when it hit a couple of months ago, including a night of live, stankified jazz. Here’s the deal: Jazz/funk great George Duke was supposed to headline a concert at the Arena Theatre September 13. However, Ike’s tumultuous weather and aftermath forced the show to be postponed to Saturday. It’s very likely Duke will hit us with some classics – did somebody say “Reach for It”? – as well as selections from his latest album, Dukey Treats (Heads Up). Giggle-worthy title aside, Treats is Duke doing what he does best – putting his trademark stank everywhere he can. Along with Duke, Houston’s very own Jazz Crusaders will also be on the bill. Bear in mind this group is Wayne Henderson’s Jazz Crusaders, led by the founding member and trombonist and featuring Houstonian Ronnie Laws on saxophone. (If you want to hear fellow Jazz Crusaders co-founders Joe Sample, Wilton Felder and Stix Hooper together, pick up 2003 LP Rural Renewal, made under the band’s ‘70s name, The Crusaders.) All I know is, if Henderson doesn’t play “Street Life,” he’s seriously depriving us of primo, soulful and – yes! – seriously stanked-up jazz.

Sat., Nov. 22, 2008

This article appears in Nov 20-26, 2008.