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George Benson
Jazz / Pop / R&B

"The Official Myspace page of George Benson"

Arizona
United States

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Last Login:  3/14/2008
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   Contacting George Benson

 MySpace URL: 
  http://www.myspace.com/georgebensonmusic  

   George Benson: General Info
Member Since8/29/2006
Band Websitegeorgebenson.com
Sounds Like

Order "Givin It Up" Now!

Untitled Document

Download "Givin' It Up " at iTunes today!

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Record LabelConcord Records
Type of LabelIndie




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   About 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."

It was Wes Montgomery, one of jazz's most creative players, who came across Benson early on; the vet complimented the young guitarist, urging him to continue his already impressive work. In the early 1960s, Benson apprenticed with organist Brother Jack McDuff; he found the organist's gritty swing a fertile ground for the sly, confident and adventurous guitar lines which earned him an early rep as a master.

"Jack turned me on to a lot of stuff," muses Benson. "A lot of the jazz tunes we played together were danceable, and that furthered my understanding of what people wanted. When jazz was danceable, it was king. The intellectual stuff that came later on - Charlie Parker and all that - turned toward a brainier sound. That was good, and I dug it. But I really like when people kick up their heels and go crazy."

Montgomery had called one of his best records Boss Guitar. Benson had both the conviction and chops to nip at his hero's heels; his 1964 debut was released as The New Boss Guitar. It lived up to its title. Benson's tone was juicy, and his blues solos sparkled with a carefully honed logic. A jaunty funk and swing aesthetic prevailed.

By the time legendary talent scout John Hammond signed Benson to Columbia, the guitarist's name was bubbling throughout the industry. His work for the label proved Hammond's hunch to be on-target: brains and flash were in perfect synch.

"I'd sat down with a great blind pianist from San Francisco name Freddy Gambrel," recalls Benson. "He turned me onto some wonderful ways to get in and out of chord changes and weld harmonies together. Of course I still wanted to be like Charlie Christian, Django Reinhardt, and Hank Garland - my heroes. I've always liked the hot guitar guys."

Playing the combination won Benson access to all sorts of arenas. His work was boundless: in the late '60s he sat in on heady Miles Davis sessions, and also put a personal spin on the tunes from the Beatles' Abbey Road.

Hooking up with the CTI label in 1970, he was united with many of jazz's finest instrumentalists, including Stanley Turrentine, Ron Carter, and Freddie Hubbard. His visibility and prestige grew even further. Classic albums, such as Beyond the Blue Horizon, abounded. But after a while different ideas began to flow from Benson's muse. And the environment didn't seem right for growth.

"I'd been screaming about my guitar sound for years, and they didn't want to hear about it. I wanted to use my band in the studio, just get comfortable and test out some stuff. But it was like pulling teeth. The first time I tried to sing along with my guitar, everybody in the studio booed. They all said that it wouldn't work. When I got with Tommy LiPuma all that changed. He said 'Sure, let's go with some vocals, see where we get.' And you know what happened after that."

What happened was Breezin', the first jazz record to attain platinum sales. The 1976 blockbuster, his first in a long association with Warner Bros. Records, brought the instrumental title track to jazz radio. And Benson's soulful update of Leon Russell's "This Masquerade," which featured the guitarist scatting along with his solo break, was a pop smash. He followed up with a sultry version of "On Broadway," and the irresistible "Give Me The Night," which thrilled many a dancer. Benson was a superstar.

Some old fans were miffed about this new pop success. "I guess that's the biggest crime I've made as far as jazz lovers go," offers Benson. "They don't always like to see you play for the general public. They want to be catered to. But I've tried that approach and it doesn't work for me. Nobody can stay one way for 30 years. I've always tried to let my experience show itself. You learn, you change. The door opened and I walked through it."

Throughout the 1980s Warner Bros. and LiPuma followed their smash success with several terrific Benson records. Individually, they blended grooves and guitar work, proving that R&B was a natural part of Benson's profile. Collectively, they cemented his global renowned. The guitarist has won eight Grammies, played around the world, and thrilled many crowds with his playing.

In the mid-'90s Benson followed LiPuma to the GRP label. Their association had proven artistically and commercially fertile; both wanted to sustain it. Together they cut the 1996 gem That's Right. It offered a modern version of contemporary jazz that reminded its listeners Benson was one of the genre's forefathers.

These days Benson's interests are many. He's often spotted out at Manhattan jazz clubs, checking the action of fledgling guitarists. The most impressive of the lot are sometimes invited back to Benson HQ for jam sessions and stylistic powwows. The guitarist is resolute about keeping the sparkle in his playing.

"The younger cats awaken something in me from the early days. I love listening and playing with guys like Joshua Redman, Roy Hargrove, and Christian McBride. When they tell me I've still got the chops, I feel great."

Benson's latest GRP disc is Standing Together. It not only assures that his chops are sharper than ever, but suggests that his studio savvy is continuing to grow. This time around, he uses elements of hip hop and Caribbean rhythms to keep his personalized R&B on the edgy side.

"I'm not against ear candy," he chuckles, "but I like mine to be significant, not just noises in the record. Some of those backing tracks on the new record are cool. They give me little tidbits of sound to bounce my guitar lines off of."

Said like a open-minded creative type, which is exactly who Benson is. Unfazed by the constrictions of predictability, he's built a career on sniffing out what people enjoy hearing, and what he enjoys playing.

"I had to break a couple rules along the way," he reflects. "There was an unwritten law: be cool, don't get too raunchy. But jazz was once hanging-out music. And the easiest way to involve people is by getting 'em tapping their feet. When they're tapping a bit, they'll go your way. That's when I can float any kind of jazz line into the music. Once the audience knows I respect them, they let me be whatever I want to be. I hope - no, I firmly believe - that will always be the case."


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   George Benson's Friend Space (Top 8)
George Benson has 32109 friends.
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George Benson's Friends Comments
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MANHATTAN LADY/STARDUST POTION





Jul 6 2008 10:22 PM

damon terrell





Jul 5 2008 10:56 PM

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Matt





Jul 5 2008 8:43 PM

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-------------------------------------------
Hey George Benson, I just bought you as my PET!
Click here to find out how much I think you're WORTH!


Serge BRAVARD





Jul 5 2008 12:55 PM

A Good evening to you and your visitors to tell you that if you like Paris, you can see on my page, EIFFEL TOWER blue and the new GRILLE ROYALE of CHATEAU of VERSAILLES.

Sincerely PARIS

Serge

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Sylvia





Jul 4 2008 4:22 PM

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Rumaldo





Jul 4 2008 3:15 PM

Happy 4th of July!

Rumaldo Ortiz / Angel Edge
Skyline Productions


Is Online


Jul 4 2008 1:42 PM

Happy July 4th...
Here's wishin' you and yours a Happy July 4th, and the Freedom to always express your Artistic Liberty...
~Geno Gramm, Production Mgr.
margaret





Jul 4 2008 1:01 PM

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-------------------------------------------
Hey George Benson, I just bought you as my PET!
Click here to find out how much I think you're WORTH!


MISS MARGO

TAÇLAN GÖRGÜN





Jul 4 2008 10:54 AM

- FLUX -
PARALLEL SOUND UK &EVREND ft. TAÇLAN

SUMMER EUPHORIA -TOP ALBUMS
LABEL: MINISTRY OF SOUND
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Ralph Chislom





Jul 4 2008 9:53 AM

Happy Fourth 08
R@lf $chulz





Jul 4 2008 7:05 AM




Happy 4th of July!

.
.
.
Vadsmother





Jul 4 2008 1:45 AM

Happy Fourth!
Comment Graphics and Myspace Layouts at pYzam. com


SuRia ☼ ♥ ♫





Jul 3 2008 6:38 PM






CMajor





Jul 3 2008 1:20 PM

Hello, Mr. Benson. Just stopping by to say hello. All the Best...

CMajor
Benjy Myaz





Jul 3 2008 8:36 AM

The Boss...Sir George Benson
"Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity.”
Thanks for ur creativity & ur music ...says it all....
One Blessed Love.
BM
www. benjymyaz. com
Wayne Hernandez





Jul 3 2008 6:39 AM

Absolute class. the show was amazing. thank you so much.
peace
margaret





Jul 2 2008 3:05 PM

~SiR LeMuAl~ [Personal Page]





Jul 2 2008 1:12 PM

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
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ME





Jul 2 2008 9:45 AM

MyHotComments.com
MyHotComments HAVE A HAPPY & SAFE 4th!!
Walter





Jul 2 2008 6:35 AM

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GILLES SOEN-WER





Jul 2 2008 4:54 AM



Hello!

HERBIE HANCOCK
www. soenwer-photo. fr
Kerry Hancock Jr





Jul 2 2008 12:57 AM

We are giving away a FREE custom myspace design. $2K Value!!! Whichever band/artist/group makes us the best 30 - 60 second song/jingle for or about our company wins. We are accepting entries from any form of music. All entries must be submitted before July 14th.
EBAN BROWN





Jul 1 2008 5:56 PM

Come join Eban Brown LIVE!!!

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EMILIO SANDMANN ORCHESTRA





Jul 1 2008 4:58 PM

Greetings from da Vienna

HARRI STOJKA
special guest on „XOT MUSIK“ - new version!!!
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on Emilio Sandmann Orchestra
INTERNATIONAL ONLINE ORCHESTRA

„Django Reinhard WAS da BEST -
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Georges Crébassa





Jul 1 2008 9:19 AM



L'aventure sonore et visuelle se poursuit et se renouvelle, GEORGES CREBASSA PROJECT présentera dimanche 6 juillet 21h dans le cadre du festival Les Arts des Vignes Yin Yang sa nouvelle création.



Ecoutez l'interwiew de Georges dans l' émission JazzBox sur Aligré FM animé par Jacques Thévenet -(31 avril 2008) - cliquez : http://300gp. ovh. net/~georgesc/presse. htm

bienvenue,
A LA SAUCE JAZZ PRODUCTION
3 et 5, rue du professeur Roux
34690 Fabrègues
0467852796 / 0663077637
www. georgescrebassa. com
www. myspace. com/georgescrebassa
alasaucejazz@georgescrebassa.com
Gary Joseph Ayala





Jul 1 2008 7:44 AM

Hey what's up?

Sorry I haven't gotten back to you in a while. But I have been trying hard to responding to all of you. All of you know have exceeded fifteen thousand friends and I thank you all for your support and kindness.

Hey I'm inviting you and your friends to please feel free to down load my "Catch-Up" the second song. I opened them up no charge just click on down load by the smaller picture of myself. Just a small token of my appreciation to you.

Again thank you all for passing by and your support.

I wish the best to you and yours always.

Gary
REMEMBRANCE





Jun 30 2008 8:54 PM


SEXY & HOT COMMENTS


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FOR YOU,,GEORGE..
Mobsterb





Jun 30 2008 6:10 PM

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-------------------------------------------
Hey George Benson, I just bought you as my PET!
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Cool

hambone


Is Online


Jun 30 2008 3:29 PM

The mighty George Benson! It is truly an honor to be on your friendslist!

I'm taking a drive today through the countryside, and I've got the "Givin' It Up" disc on with you and Al, and "Summer Breeze" comes on.....

This was one moment in time where the right piece of music comes on at exactly the right time, and makes it a moment that captures your heart to make it last forever. To hear that song on a day like today, looking at what I was looking at through the windshield...was truly magical. Thank You so very much.
I've loved and respected all your work since 'Masquerade', but you and Al hooking up for 'Givin' It Up' was pure genius!
Once again, Thank You!
Alberto Mandis guitar composer





Jun 30 2008 11:59 AM

Hello' George ..is beutifull music
Clifford Charles





Jun 30 2008 11:42 AM

Thanks for the years of great music.
PolCastillo





Jun 30 2008 11:42 AM

Spanish:
Con todo mi respeto:
PolCastillo anticipa su primer disco! 3 nuevas canciones
Amigos y colegas:
Estoy Orgulloso de informarles que nuestra Banda despues de mas de 6 años, esta grabando su primer disco.
Hemos decidido promocionar 3 canciones:
RUTA PESADA
CUANTAS VECES
PAUSADO EN MI SILENCIO
Las cuales reflejan el amplio espectro de interpretacion y composicion de la Banda, desde el Blues Latino, Soul y Jazz hasta el Southern Rock mas energico.

Estan invitados a visitarnos en www. myspace. com/polcastillo y dejarnos las sugerencias y criticas que Uds. deseen.
Les mando un enorme abrazo
Alberto Castillo
(Guitarra & Voz PolCastillo)

English:
With all my respect:
PolCastillo anticipates his first disc! 3 new songs
Friends and colleagues:
I am Proud to them inform that our Band after over of 6 years, this recording his first disc.
We have decided to promote 3 songs:
RUTA PESADA (HEAVY ROUTE)
CUANTAS VECES (ALL THE TIMES)
PAUSADO EN MI SILENCIO (INTERRUPTED IN MY SILENCE)
Which reflect the wide spectrum of interpretation and composition of the Band, from the Latin Blues, Soul and Jazz up to the more energetic Southern Rock.
You are invited to visiting us in www. myspace. com/polcastillo and to leave us the suggestions and you criticize that you wish.
I order them an enormous embrace
Alberto Castillo
(Guitar and Voice PolCastillo)
Elena Martynova





Jun 30 2008 5:55 AM

Have a wonderful summer!
www.emotionalfool.com
Get more from www. emotionalfool. com
PAUL WILLIAMS


Is Online


Jun 30 2008 4:57 AM

yes george love the music man
Gerard Fandango





Jun 30 2008 3:43 AM

Hello George:-)

Have a nice week :-)!

Greetings Gerard
Antwerp Belgium
Cinda





Jun 29 2008 12:41 PM