Trumpeter Albert Jones is affectionately known to friends and followers as “Duke,” a nickname acquired from his favorite aunt, because of his love of music from an early age. A native of New York City via White Plains, Duke began playing trumpet at nine, and formed a high school band that ultimately became the popular R&B / Pop success Atlantic Starr. He appeared on their first two albums–“Radiant” (1980) and “Brillance” (1982)–and then made his solo debut for CTI Records entitled “Thunder Island”. He attended Northwestern University, studying music and film, then worked the New York club circuit, and went on to tour Japan, Europe and Africa, working with established musicians such as The Temptations, Angela Bofill, Larry Coryell and Marion Meadows. He worked extensively with August Darnell (Kid Creole and the Coconuts) and drummer / producer Norman Connors, serving as an original member of his Starship Orchestra. In 2005, he formed Café Soul All-Stars and recorded their debut CD “Love Pages” which featured George Benson, Roy Ayers and Kenny Garrett among other great musicians.

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