George Benson (born March 22, 1943) is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He began his professional career at the age of 21 as a jazz guitarist. Benson uses a rest-stroke picking technique similar to that of gypsy jazz players such as Django Reinhardt. A former child prodigy, Benson first came to prominence in the 1960s, playing soul jazz with Jack McDuff and others. He then launched a successful solo career, alternating between jazz, pop, R&B singing, and scat singing. His album Breezin' was certified triple-platinum, hitting no. 1 on the Billboard album chart in 1976. His concerts were well attended through the 1980s, and he still has a large following. Benson has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Simply one of the greatest guitarists in jazz history, George Benson is an amazingly versatile musician whose adept skills find him crossing easily between straight-ahead jazz, smooth jazz, and contemporary R&B. Blessed with supreme taste, a beautiful, rounded guitar tone, terrific speed, a marvelous sense of logic in building solos, and, always, an unquenchable urge to swing, Benson's inspirations may have been Charlie Christian and Wes Montgomery, but his style is completely his own. Not only can he play lead brilliantly, he is also one of the best rhythm guitarists around, supportive to soloists and a dangerous swinger, particularly in a soul-jazz format. Yet Benson can also sing in a lush, soulful tenor with mannerisms similar to those of Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway, and it is his voice that has proven more marketable to the public than his guitar. Benson is the guitar-playing equivalent of Nat King Cole -- a fantastic pianist whose smooth way with a pop vocal eventually eclipsed his instrumental prowess in the marketplace -- but unlike Cole, Benson has been granted enough time after his fling with the pop charts to reaffirm his jazz guitar credentials, which he still does at his concerts.
Thank You, I've never heard this one. I love the one that came after this - Music Of My Mind, one my favorites - but mostly just know the hits before that one.
ResponderExcluirIncredible record. "Sunshine In Their Eyes" is one of the best things he ever did -- a multi-layered suite that's a bit like late period Beatles but with socially-conscious lyrics for an urban audience. Plus, it has a great backing vocal from Syreeta.
ResponderExcluirThis write-up doesn't mention it, but it was around this time that Wonder wrote and produced the hit "It's A Shame" for the Spinners. Part of the reason he didn't keep the song for himself was said to be his unhappiness with Motown at the time. He apparently wanted to show Berry Gordy he could be a writer-producer if he wanted and not record at all for the label. Brilliant negotiation tactic.
Thanks for the share
ResponderExcluirI have not heard this album but have listened to a couple of snippets. Sounds Good
Regards