George Benson – Body Talk

2007 five CD set, a great installment in Sony/BMG's Original Album Classics series that brings together rare and out of print titles with some best sellers from the Sony/BMG Jazz catalog. Many of these albums have been unavailable on CD for some time and are sought after by collectors…

With an eye and ear on what was happening on the soul charts - James Brown in particular - Benson made a decided swerve toward R&B on this release. Indeed the JB's Pee Wee Ellis turns up as a big band arranger on three tracks, and he no doubt had a direct influence on the distinct JB groove of one of the non-big-band tunes, "Dance." It should come as no surprise by now that this formidable guitarist has no problem handling any kind of groove, although the mixed rhythm section of Jack DeJohnette, Ron Carter, electric pianist Harold Mabern, and percussionist Mobutu sometimes sends mixed messages. Earl Klugh has a few tasty moments on his own, and there are some reconnaissance flights back to the jazz side of George, which he handles with his usual confident aplomb.

2007 five CD set, a great installment in Sony/BMG's Original Album Classics series that brings together rare and out of print titles with some best sellers from the Sony/BMG Jazz catalog. Many of these albums have been unavailable on CD for some time and are sought after by collectors. Each set is presented in a high quality, rigid cardboard slipcase containing five 'vinyl replica' mini LP sleeves. This collection from the guitar great features the albums Bad Benson, The George Benson Cookbook, It's Uptown, Body Talk and Beyond The Blue Horizon.

With an eye and ear on what was happening on the soul charts – James Brown in particular – Benson made a decided swerve toward R&B on this release. Indeed the JB's Pee Wee Ellis turns up as a big band arranger on three tracks, and he no doubt had a direct influence on the distinct JB groove of one of the non-big-band tunes, "Dance"…

George Benson is a unique figure in jazz, considered by many to be one of the best bebop-influenced guitarists since Wes Montgomery, while, simultaneously, loved by smooth jazz and pop fans for hits such as "On Broadway," and "This Masquerade," two songs that also feature his vocals. This "Jazz Moods" disc concentrates on Benson's instrumental side, though he does sing on the last track, "Hold on I'm Comin'." On this 10-track collection of tunes, mostly taken from his 1970s catalog, Benson funks up standards such as "Take Five" and "Take the 'A' Train," and offers extended jams on Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit" and the Mamas & the Papas' "California Dreamin'." Additionally, he turns in smoking hot, swinging versions of Miles Davis's "So What" and Benson's own composition, "Clockwise." Benson's blazing solos on these songs reminds listeners why he is so worshipped by fans and fellow guitarists worldwide.