Verve Jazz Masters 21 - George Benson (1994) [Jazz][mp3 320][h33

Verve Jazz Masters 21 - George Benson

Audio CD (October 4, 1994)

Original Release Date: 1968

Label: Polygram Records

Bitrate: 320 kbps



This is a more satisfactory summary of George Benson's late-'60s recordings than the early CD era's Silver Collection because it includes a pair of the later A&M recordings and a couple of guest spots on a Jimmy Smith album from that period. At this time, Benson, still in his mid-20s, was solidifying his reputation as a tremendously fluent and powerful guitar soloist, with plenty of hard bop facility and a genuine taste for R&B riffing and swinging. The eloquent slow blues of "Low Down and Dirty," and the wild, weird use of a Varitone octave multiplier on "The Shape of Things to Come," and the gutsy if occasionally scattered bop licks as a foil for the smoldering Smith (with drummer Donald Bailey) on "The Boss" go a long way toward illustrating Benson's range here. ~ Richard S. Ginell, All Music Guide



This is a wonderful compilation of some of Benson's best earlier recordings. All of these tracks were recorded in 1968 and 1969 and includes a wonderful vocal "Out of the Blue" and an excellent Beatles medley, "Something/Octopus's Garden". Benson is one of those great artists who is equally at home in the pop field, as well as being a very talented jazz musician. This is an excellent introductory album for anyone who is not that familiar with Benson. And it is practically a guarantee that you'll want to hear more of his music after hearing this. The booklet contains liner notes on the songs and Benson. ~ G. Sawaged



Verve Jazz Masters 21 - George Benson

01 Thunder Walk 4:43

02 Sack O’ Woe 3:09

03 Tuxedo Junction 9:33

04 Billie’s Bounce 6:09

05 Something/Octopus’s Garden 4:31

06 What’s New? 5:37

07 Shape Of Things (To Come) 5:16

08 The Boss 8:53

09 Out Of The Blue 3:20

10 Low Down And Dirty 8:33

11 I Remember Wes 3:54