Jim Benson

George Benson is simply one of the greatest guitarists in jazz history, but he is also an amazingly versatile musician, and that frustrates to no end critics who would paint him into a narrow bop box. He can play in just about any style – from swing to bop to R&B to pop – with supreme taste, a beautiful rounded tone, terrific speed, a marvelous sense of logic in building solos, and, always, an unquenchable urge to swing. His inspirations may have been Charlie Christian and Wes Montgomery – and he can do dead-on impressions of both – but his style is completely his own. Not only can he play lead brilliantly, he is also one of the best rhythm guitarists around, supportive to soloists and a dangerous swinger, particularly in a soul-jazz format.

While the City Sleeps… is a 1986 studio album by George Benson, released on Warner Bros. Records. It features musicians like Paulinho da Costa, Preston Glass, Paul Jackson, Jr., Marcus Miller and Narada Michael Walden (as drummer and producer), alongside young talents of the time like Kenny G, Randy Jackson and Kashif. Although it does not have any instrumental tracks, Benson's guitar playing is somewhat in the headlight in songs like "Love Is Here Tonight", "Teaser" and "Too Many Times". The most successful single of the album, "Kisses in the Moonlight", is still frequently played by Benson at live performances and is present on many of his compilation albums.

Give Me The Night is a 1980 album by American singer George Benson. Released Summer 1980, Produced by Quincy Jones and released on Jones' start-up label Qwest Records, in conjunction with Warner Bros. Records, this album would chart number one on both the Top Soul Albums and Jazz Albums Chart as well as number three on the Billboard Pop Albums charts. Lead by the number one single on the Soul Singles chart, "Give Me the Night". The song "Moody´s Mood" was recorded with R&B singer Patti Austin. It was certified Platinum by the RIAA. This would be the only album that Quincy Jones would produce for George Benson. This album won Benson three Grammy Awards in 1981; Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, while "Moody's Mood" received Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Male and "Off Broadway" received Best R&B Instrumental Performance.

João Gilberto, Luiz Bonfá, Stan Getz, Charlie Byrd, Joe Pass Wes Montgomery, Antonio Carlos Jobim and others.
The Jazz Club series is an attractive addition to the Verve catalogue. With it's modern design and popular choice of repertoire, the Jazz Club is not only opened for Jazz fans, but for everyone that loves good music.