George Benson - Profile and Discography

Profile

George Benson

Appreciated as both musician and performer by millions, George Benson has always had the duel personae of expert improviser and vibrant entertainer. He has always placed his keenly discerning art in the service of a rousing good time. Rounding out his singular approach with sly, seductive rhythm and blues, he's earned himself an impeccable reputation as one of music's most enterprising and engaging stars.

Few might have predicted that striking level of stardom some forty years ago, when Benson was a fledgling guitarist working the corner pubs of his native Pittsburgh. That's where his yen to please a crowd was born. "I was an entertainer first," he says proudly. "As a kid I sang, danced and played the ukelele in a nightclub. As my career has progressed, I've had the pleasure of playing with the baddest jazz cats on the planet. But that doesn't change my desire to entertain folks. That's really who I am."

George Benson's tour stops always include Atlantic City.

*** Watch for George. You can use the "ticketnetwork" banner on the right to search for George Benson's tour schedule, and to see when he will be coming to Atlantic City, or a city near you.

More on George Benson

About his Recording "givin' it up."

This much-anticipated 13-track recording features each of the stars on a new arrangement of one of the other's biggest hits - Jarreau adding lyrics to and singing Benson's signature instrumental smash "Breezin'," while the legendary jazz guitarist delivers a lovely instrumental version of the singer's eternally charming hit "Mornin'." Givin' It Up also includes delicious covers of Seals & Crofts' "Summer Breeze" and Hall & Oates' (and Paul Young smash) "Every Time You Go Away," as well as stunning new jazz vocal versions of the Miles Davis classics "Four" and "'Long Come Tutu."

Givin' It Up was recorded between April and June, 2006. Serendipitously, pop legend, Paul McCartney, happened to be in the studio next door during one session and dropped in to join Benson and Jarreau on an impromptu romp through Sam Cooke's "Bring it on Home to Me." Neo soul diva, Jill Scott, performs Billie Holiday's timeless "God Bless the Child." Rounding out the album is an instrumental take on John Legend's GRAMMY award-winning soul smash, "Ordinary People" and four new compositions, including a new Jarreau and Barry Eastmond composition, "Let it Rain," which features Patti Austin and Chris Botti.

Discography

Below are links to George Benson's albums on Amazon.com, where you can purchase them at a discount. You can also download individual songs from an album.