![]() This Masquerade, composed by Bobby Womack and Leon Russell, brings Benson’s vocals upfront, helping to push the LP to triple platinum and a Grammy nomination for album of the year. He rolls out cool melodies and fast, fluent licks with a bright and clear sound. ![]() With Breezin’, George Benson hits his instrumental stride. ![]() With the aid of producer Creed Taylor and an orchestra in the tradition of Montgomery, George spins on the Fab Four alongside the likes of Herbie Hancock, Bob James, Ron Carter, Freddie Hubbard and Ray Barretto. Check out the take of Donny Hathaway and Gene McDaniels’ evocative When Love Has Grown.Ī few years after Wes Montgomery’s A Day in the Life, Benson followed with his own interpretation of The Beatles songbook. The title track says it all, a physical romp showing off Benson’s soul-jazz stylings in a funky setting with an all-star backup band, including the introduction of Earl Klugh on second guitar. By 1973, Body Talk shone the spotlight onto this still emerging talent in six lingering cuts. George Benson began his recording career in 1964. But if you’re looking for an entry into his repertoire, these are five fine examples of Benson’s exemplary ability to cultivate crossover appeal while still honouring the spirit of jazz. With a career as vast and deep as George Benson’s, narrowing it down to five essential recordings is just scratching the surface. Word of this virtuosity spread, and soon he was offered the chance to record. Benson’s own path to fame involved gruelling nights on the road away from his hometown of Pittsburgh. Each took their blues-infused jazz to sophisticated new heights. There’s a direct line from Charlie Christian through Wes Montgomery to George Benson. Pictures from his youth show George Benson holding the instrument like a lad who was born to play. It was then that two love affairs were born: Tom Collier became George’s stepfather and first musical mentor, and young George Benson fell hard for the guitar. As soon as the man left the room, George ran to the instrument. One day, a man came calling and told George not to touch the guitar he’d brought to serenade the boy’s mother. Growing up with a single mother, the young George knew he loved music but couldn’t warm up to the old piano in their living room. Looking back to his earliest days, Benson seemed destined for greatness as a child prodigy. George Benson first made it to the top of the pops in the 1970s, scoring multiplatinum with his smooth singing and superb musicianship.
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