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Older George Benson anyone?

finnbow

finnbow

The Dude Abides
I was blissfully unaware of George Benson's talent as a real jazz musician. I was more familiar with the later George Benson of "Breezin'" fame. Although Breezin' was a nice record, I wouldn't exactly consider it the kind of jazz that appeals to me - a bit commercial. I just picked up a few of his older offerings and they are very good, kind of a Wes Montgomery with a groove. The two I have I recommend highly although I'm sure there are a few more of the good, early ones.

George Benson/Jack McDuff

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The George Benson Cookbook

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While stationed in Germany in the 70s and 80s, I came across this album "Miles in the Sky", recorded sometime in the 60s. I bought it in 78 or 79, I think, it is not a George Benson album but Benson is part of that group of musicians with Hancock. Very good album that I should dust off and play again.
 
Yes!!! I Recently found an old Benson LP from 1965 called It's Uptown at a thrift in near mint condition. It is excellent much better then his later stuff.

George Benson (vocals, guitar); Ronnie Cuber (baritone saxophone); Blue Mitchell (trumpet); Lonnie Smith (organ); Charlie Persip, Ray Lucas, Jimmy Lovelace (drums).

http://www.amazon.com/Its-Uptown-George-Benson-Quartet/dp/B00005IBGL

I also with "It's Uptown" LP picked up (from the same thrift Benson fan) an LP called White Rabbit from 1971 with Hancock, Cobham, Ron Carter, Airto, Hubert Laws, and others which is good too. But not in the same league as the other.

http://www.amazon.com/White-Rabbit-George-Benson/dp/B0000026AM
 
I too discovered pre 70's George just recently , picked up a greatest hits lp . He does some soul music that would fit right in a Tarintino soundtrack and some cuts off the Abbey road lp he did . I have spun it lots and am on the lookout for others by him from the 60's . The LP is called "encore "
 
I was hearing some early Benson on NPR (believe it or not) it was good,and this thread has definitely made me starting to looking around for the pre 70's.
And yes "Breezen" was a little FM , but I don't know....... I'm still known to have dropped the needle on that one from time to time.

If anyone else has any more recommendations........let me know!

Dave
 
"Yes!!! I Recently found an old Benson LP from 1965 called It's Uptown at a thrift in near mint condition. It is excellent much better then his later stuff.

George Benson (vocals, guitar); Ronnie Cuber (baritone saxophone); Blue Mitchell (trumpet); Lonnie Smith (organ); Charlie Persip, Ray Lucas, Jimmy Lovelace (drums)."




+1 on the LP "It's Uptown"! I have an original copy of this album... it's some of his best "pre-love goo" burning jazz. :smoke:

Steve
 

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pre Breezin' ...

I have his transition period just before he found his voice.

Bad Benson 1974: Includes his version of Take Five. "still hanging on to his Wes Montgomery roots in places while stretching his soul-jazz persona into even funkier arenas. CTI had a formula for making funky, accessible jazz and fusion records that in 1974 still held true."

Best of George Benson [Sony Jazz] released 1989 but seems to have many of his early CTI/pre-Breezin' stuff

And my favorite:
CTI ALL-STARS: CALIFORNIA CONCERT RECORDED AT THE HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM JULY 18, 1971 2LP

George Benson: guitar
Freddie Hubbard: trumpet
Hubert Laws: flute
Stanley Turrentine: tenor saxophone
Hank Crawford: alto saxophone
Johnny Hammond: organ, electric piano
Ron Carter: bass
Billy Cobham: drums
Airto Moreira: percussion
 
Own the "George Benson Collection" double LP set. Haven't listened to it in awhile, and I remember digging these songs (among others)

Give Me the Night
Turn Your Love Around

... both huge hits on the radio. I will have to fire up the turntable, bust out the Discwasher, and give this album a listen (once my recent ebay speakers arrive @ home) :D:D
 
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Beyond The Blue Horizon - CTI Records CTI 6009 (1971)

Just put this on, thanks to this thread. This was my first George Benson album. Recorded by Rudy Van Gelder at his studio, it is straight ahead jazz - beautifully recorded.

I've heard the California Concert album, but don't have it (and would dearly love to track down a copy). I highly recommend it if you can find it.

FWIW, the early 70's CTI recordings are well worth seeking out. George Benson, Freddy Hubbard, Hubert Laws, Joe Farrell and Airto all recorded some outstanding albums for this label. It's not all smooth jazz either, there is some edgier more outside material that spices things up from time to time.
 
Yes, I grab any of his early stuff I can find, Columbia in the 60s and alot of the CTI titles. Jazz guitar hits a sweet spot for me.

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Older George Benson is some excellent stuff. Quite different from his late 70s to current stuff which is still pretty good.

George Benson In Concert-Carnegie Hall, 1977. Is one of my favorites. More bluesy than jazz.
 
I personally think "Good King Bad" by George Benson on the CTI label is one of his best, I always kinda felt he sold out when he went commercial. The guy can flat out play Jazz!
Regards,
Jim
 
slow_jazz said:
Seems like he did a lot more singing as his career went on....
Click to expand...

Some agent got in his ear, not to say his commercial stuff is bad. He was one of the bright jazz guitarists that made big $$$ and faded away. Too bad, I would have liked to see him continue as a guitar player. I always felt a bit cheated by him, after buying all his earlier albums.
Regards,
Jim
 
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