George Benson
Fusion - jazz-rock - Soul jazz
George Benson, Michael O'Neill (guitar, vocals); David Garfield (keyboards, musical director); Thom Hall (keyboards); Stanley Banks (bass); Oscar Seaton (drums).
Sat 12 July 2008 22:45 - 00:00 Nile
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For all those who still believe that George Benson sold his jazz soul to the pop devil, remember this: the virtuoso singer-guitarist and eminent showman started his career as an entertainer and an entertainer he has remained. 'I was just a kid when I started singing, dancing and playing the ukulele in night clubs. In my career I have played with the very best jazz musicians on the planet but that has changed nothing of my desire to entertain people, because that's who I am.' Benson became the protégé of guitar legend Wes Montgomery and was even singled out as his successor. But the talented young guitar whizz did not want to play for an elite jazz audience. With the album Breezin' produced by Tommy LiPuma, he reached an audience of millions, and pieces like Broadway and Give Me The Night are still part of his repertoire as the album Live from 2005 shows.
